Discussion: Laser Powered Plane Takes Flight

[Fraser]

SUMMARY: A team of NASA researchers have created a remote control plane that gets its power from a ground-based laser that tracks it as it flies around. The model plane has a 3.5 metre wingspan, and only weighs 300 grams. It collects energy from a bank of photovoltaic cells to power its propeller. Although this is just a prototype, future versions could be much larger and fly above a city indefinitely providing telecommunications services - it could be an inexpensive replacement for satellites.


Comments or questions about this story? Feel free to share your thoughts.

[Matthew]

How efficient would one of these planes be? Would it be dangerous if something (like a how air balloon flew through the laser beam, cutting of the planes source of power?

[Planetwatcher]

Is this the same principle as the solar sail?

[Fraser]

No, it's a propeller plane. The solar panels power the prop with electricity. So, it's more like a solar-powered plane that doesn't need the Sun.