4 ms·

Similarly, what is the present feasibility of energy transmission via laser using satellites?

• ben_w 5y ago
  We’re at the prototypes and proof of concept stage for that sort of thing. Optimistically, it’s just about possible in principle if you don’t mind paying SpaceX to expand by a few orders of magnitude. But I don’t think anyone will be very happy with even one gigawatt of orbital lasers, no matter how much the satellite owner insists (possibly even accurately and with reference to the laws of physics) that it can’t be turned into a death ray. (And if you can use beamed power safely from orbit, with emphasis on safely, why not use the same beamed power horizontally at ground level around the world? Power at night from space implies an orbital-to-ground distance comparable to planetary radius).
  • OneTimePetes 5y ago
    Every foil wrapped turd in space is in theory a kinetic impactor by value of location and acceleration. There was a scifi short story, were a system was wrecked, aeons after a war, by what was essentially missed shots. This is what makes the expanse so creepy. Every PDC round not finding a target- finds a target eventually. On the other side of the system, totally not intended, but it finds one. Even thinks doing the marathon with ion-engines can become lethally over time. Voyager is another systems bullet.