What is photonic propulsion?

Photonic propulsion works by firing lasers at a reflective material like a solar sail. Though the photons in the laser do not have mass, they do have energy and momentum, and they transfer a small amount of kinetic energy to the reflective surface when they bounce off.

Is laser propulsion possible?

There are several forms of laser propulsion in which the laser is used as an energy source to provide momentum to propellant that is carried on board the rocket. The use of a laser as the energy source means that the energy provided to the propellant is not limited by the chemical energy of the propellant.

Can electricity be used for propulsion?

Electric Propulsion (EP) is a class of space propulsion which makes use of electrical power to accelerate a propellant by different possible electrical and/or magnetic means. The use of electrical power enhances the propulsive performances of the EP thrusters compared with conventional chemical thrusters.

Is photon engine possible?

The photon radiators would most likely be constructed using graphite or tungsten. Photonic rockets are technologically feasible, but rather impractical with current technology based on an onboard nuclear power source.

Can you use light as propulsion?

Photons, the particles of light, have no mass, but paradoxically, they do still have momentum. The momentum of a photon is inversely proportional to its wavelength. So yes, in principle, you can propel a spacecraft by shooting a powerful light out the back.

Can light propel objects?

Solar sails on space probes catch sunlight and use its momentum to propel the probe forward. Light carries momentum and can therefore push objects.

Are electric spaceships possible?

Short answer : No. We do not have storage capacity of energy in either electric or chemical form that would allow to convert back the chemical energy into electric energy if required, and allow us to propell a rocket into space..