NASA claims they can get humans to Mars in a month. A bold claim indeed, but apparently they can back it up. The secret in going interstellar? Lasers.
NASA WILL USE LASERS TO GO INTERSTELLAR
This should excite the inner sci-fi in everybody. Yes, NASA, will use lasers. They will use lasers to go interstellar, and soon. Scientist Philip Lubin shines some light on the matter. He says that by switching out our current fuel-based rocket system with that of photons, our space travel speed will greatly increase. This means fast interstellar travel and faster travel to mars. Hang on Mark Watney, we’re coming for you fast. If none of that photon nonsense makes sense, here’s a simpler explanation.
GET TO MARS ON A LASER SAILBOAT
Particles of light from lasers in Earth’s orbit will reflect on large, sail-like object on the spacecraft. When it hits, it will produce an intense thrust that will propel the craft through the interstellar regions of space at a much faster speed. With this theory, Lubin estimates that a 220-pound probe could reach Mars in only seventy-two hours. A bigger ship could take a longer. At the moment, a current mission to Mars is being proposed that could have men on the planet in five months. Are we ready?
SERIOUSLY, ARE WE READY?
Hasn’t NASA seen Interstellar, the Martian, Gravity or the myriad of other space movies? There is usually the common theme of disaster in each one of them. NASA itself has been a victim of these Hollywood disasters many times as well. Sure, we have the technology to get to Mars in record time, but is NASA ready to do that? Lubin thinks we are. In fact, he thinks we are ready for the beyond. Using photonic propulsion can open the door wide open to travelling to the outer reaches of our solar system and beyond. To Lubin, the pros of space exploration far out way the cons. Frankly, he may have a point. If we have the technology, why not use?
