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Photonic Lightsails
FutureConceptual & SpeculativeApril 30, 2026

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Photonic Lightsails

Photonic lightsails are a type of lightsail that uses a high-power laser to propel a spacecraft.

Combined with ultra-thin, low-mass sails, a high-power laser could enable substantial spacecraft acceleration.

This technology could overcome the fundamentally weak acceleration of traditional propulsion systems.

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Lunar Railway
FutureResource Utilization

Lunar Railway

A lunar railway system is being developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to provide payload transport on the Moon. This concept is one of the six innovative tech concepts advanced by NASA. The lunar railway system could provide fresh perspectives and approaches as NASA explores the unknown in space. The development of this concept is part of NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts program.

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NIAC Program
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FutureConceptual & Speculative

NIAC Program

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program funds innovative aerospace concepts that could enable and transform future missions. The program nurtures visionary ideas that could transform future NASA missions with the creation of breakthroughs. The NIAC program has selected six visionary concept studies for additional funding and development.

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Breakthrough Starshot
FutureConceptual & Speculative

Breakthrough Starshot

Breakthrough Starshot is a research and engineering project to develop a proof-of-concept fleet of light sail interstellar probes. The project aims to propel a fleet of tiny spacecraft to speeds of up to 100 million miles an hour using a ground-based light beamer. The ultimate goal is to reach Alpha Centauri in just over 20 years from launch.

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