Daniel FischerFeb 1, 2025
Direct radiation pressure measurements for lightsail membranes: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-024-01605-w.epdf?sharing_token=0nPl5PM1FukXuQJmwY14EdRgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0Nvm16bAPVzmsYDI3HKQzt26ewGXFTawghQZHa7SDzCweOT2OM-geSmAGCxshc6rjQFD0MpfEoCgP3RYwXoRwKFq89sebXWdmdmoLytEwVNqgBFXxwvBtHcMC7o6ksg6g_YJ4LvzXSit0hE1fJHUcTmeAXt9hVAGQrOTQgby8aLUloBLtUGJIlQOJkqa2CgkUk7kqfysGpwdEwDqioVQYXalA1qPLu0SN1zh_955H2nTh0um8WCWu7FdCA8ECKvfa9b4JX-51O0TV-VE0aBASzZ43feGsyP0gRm6DYXNBrnpQ%3D%3D&tracking_referrer=gizmodo.com -> Caltech Researchers Take First Experimental Steps Toward #Lightsails that Could Reach Distant Star Systems: https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/the-pressure-to-explore-caltech-researchers-take-first-experimental-steps-toward-lightsails-that-could-reach-distant-star-systems
Direct radiation pressure measurements for lightsail membranes - Nature Photonics

Simultaneous measurements of the optical force and power exerted by a collimated laser beam on a 50-nm-thick silicon nitride lightsail membrane suspended by compliant micromechanical springs quantify the radiation pressure, enabling further multiphysics studies of radiation pressure forces on macroscopic objects.

Nature
spacebarbarianFeb 22, 2024
If we ever have silicon-based descendants, they may make good interstellar travelers. https://www.centauri-dreams.org/2024/02/16/to-the-stars-with-human-crews/ #space #interstellar #solarsails #lightsails
To the Stars with Human Crews? | Centauri Dreams

Universe TodayOct 5, 2023

Europa and Enceladus are the Perfect Targets for a Lightsail Mission

Although lightsails have been proposed as the best way to reach the nearest star system, they also have practical applications within the Solar System. A new paper examines the best nearby targets for exploration and suggests that Europa and Enceladus are the ideal starting points. According to the paper's calculations, a 100 kg probe accelerated by a GigaWatt laser at 30 km/s could reach Europa in 1-4 years and Enceladus in 3-6 years. These would be flybys, but the spacecraft should be able to detect the presence of amino acids as they fly through the icy plumes.

#lightsails

https://www.universetoday.com/163494/europa-and-enceladus-are-the-perfect-targets-for-a-lightsail-mission/

Europa and Enceladus are the Perfect Targets for a Lightsail Mission

Laser sails could serve as precursor missions to Europa and Enceladus, but they'd need an awfully powerful laser to get them there.

Universe Today
Fraser CainOct 4, 2023

Europa and Enceladus are the Perfect Targets for a LIghtsail Mission

Although lightsails have been proposed as the best way to reach the nearest star system, they also have practical applications within the Solar System. A new paper examines the best nearby targets for exploration and suggests that Europa and Enceladus are the ideal starting points. According to the paper's calculations, a 100 kg probe accelerated by a GigaWatt laser at 30 km/s could reach Europa in 1-4 years and Enceladus in 3-6 years. These would be flybys, but the spacecraft should be able to detect the presence of amino acids as they fly through the icy plumes.

#lightsails

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374153715_A_Light_Sail_Astrobiology_Precursor_Mission_to_Enceladus_and_Europa