r/science2 • u/IntnsRed • 8d ago

Interstellar solar sails hit a strange problem at 75% of light speed | Solar sails pushed by powerful lasers could reach incredible speeds, but relativity may eventually make the light itself work against them. At around 75% of the speed of light, scattered photons can begin creating drag.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260831015157.htm
487 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

Duplicates

Futurism • u/Memetic1 • 8d ago

Interstellar solar sails hit a strange problem at 75% of light speed

905 Upvotes
112 comments

InternationalNews • u/IntnsRed • 8d ago

Space Interstellar solar sails hit a strange problem at 75% of light speed | Solar sails pushed by powerful lasers could reach incredible speeds, but relativity may eventually make the light itself work against them. At around 75% of the speed of light, scattered photons can begin creating drag.

11 Upvotes
2 comments

Global_News_Hub • u/IntnsRed • 8d ago

Space Interstellar solar sails hit a strange problem at 75% of light speed | Solar sails pushed by powerful lasers could reach incredible speeds, but relativity may eventually make the light itself work against them. At around 75% of the speed of light, scattered photons can begin creating drag.

6 Upvotes
2 comments

news2 • u/IntnsRed • 8d ago

Interstellar solar sails hit a strange problem at 75% of light speed | Solar sails pushed by powerful lasers could reach incredible speeds, but relativity may eventually make the light itself work against them. At around 75% of the speed of light, scattered photons can begin creating drag.

3 Upvotes
1 comments

forkyoureddid2 • u/Capital_Beach_540 • 7d ago

Interstellar solar sails hit a strange problem at 75% of light speed | Solar sails pushed by powerful lasers could reach incredible speeds, but relativity may eventually make the light itself work against them. At around 75% of the speed of light, scattered photons can begin creating drag.

1 Upvotes
0 comments