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If the rocket equation still applies (if a practical reactionless drive has not been invented), then you're talking about mass-of-the-galaxy size spaceships to
by jandrese 5y ago
If the rocket equation still applies (if a practical reactionless drive has not been invented), then you're talking about mass-of-the-galaxy size spaceships to accelerate at 1G for years on end.
- whatshisface 5y agoThe linked paper describes a laser propulsion system by means of which no reaction mass need be stored on the spacecraft whatsoever.
- jandrese 5y agoWhich is impractical because you don't have a way to slow down at the end. Their big plan was to accelerate a camera up to 1/4c and have it snap pictures as it whizzes past the solar system. It's also far less than 1G acceleration. You don't get big acceleration figures like 1G from laser pumped solar sails.