The stability of a light sail riding on a laser beam is analyzed both analytically and numerically. Conical sails on Gaussian beams, which have been studied in the past, are shown to be unstable in ...

Adapting the concept of interstellar laser sailing for Earth orbital maneuvering and solar system exploration, researchers propose that the fundamental advantages of laser propulsion are manifested at ...

The Remote Control (R/C) Laser Model is a scale version of the famous “one design” Laser, the most popular “real boat” sailing class in the world. The R/C Laser, however, does not require a trailer, ...

(Inside Science) — In long distance space travel, traditional rockets would eventually run out of fuel. There is an alternative: Since as early as the 19 th century, scientists have dreamed of ...