§ 3.5.2 Long-Term Transport
§ 3.5.2.1 Tethers in vacuum
Tethers are a general topic area with multiple applications for propulsion and electricity generation. In the future, the PERMANENT website will discuss these concepts further. In the mean time, here are some links:
Tethers Unlimited, Inc., performs R&D on tethers. See www.tethers.com
A 1999 Scientific American article covers R&D to that point in time, at www.sciam.com/1999/0399space/0399beardsleybox3.html (Robert L. Forward and Robert P. Hoyt)
§ 3.5.2.2 Laser launch from Earth
The fundamental concept is a vehicle using the air around it for propulsion rather than carrying all its fuel with it, and getting the energy from a ground-based laser.
More information can be found by following leads in a 1999 Scientific American article at http://www.sciam.com/1999/0399space/0399beardsleybox4.html
The Lightcraft Technology Demonstrator website of the Air Force Research Lab is at www.pr.afrl.af.mil/technology/lightcraft/ltd.html
A few keywords used in association with this work are: "lightcraft", "laser propulsion" and "microsatellites". Current research is for propulsion of very small objects.
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