Laser-powered spacecraft are… 🛰️
During our 86th parabolic flight campaign, researchers fired a laser at ultralight graphene aerogels in zero gravity.
They shot forward. Instantly. In 30 milliseconds*
On Earth? Barely a flicker. In microgravity? A completely different story.
No fuel. No moving parts. Just light, steering satellites and powering missions of the future.
*the videos of the experiment have been slowed down 10 times.
📹
@europeanspaceagency
🎞️
@gettyimages; Pleione Energy; ESA;
@airzerog;
@ulbruxelles /
@khalifauniversity; Advanced Materials Technologies; ESA/ULB/ Khalifa University
📸 ESA/ULB/ Khalifa University