Albert Yu

Laser-Propelled Solar Sails for Interstellar Travel

Started May 11, 2026

Abstract or project description

Solar sails are a combustion-free method of propulsion for space travel that rely on photon pressure rather than fuel. Unlike conventional rockets, which produce a short period of strong acceleration, solar sails experience continuous but much weaker acceleration from sunlight. Because solar radiation decreases with the square of distance from the Sun, this acceleration drops rapidly as the sail moves farther away. As a result, solar sails are mainly practical for missions within the Solar System.

For interstellar travel, new approaches are needed. In this project, we propose two methods for increasing solar sail travel speed: gravitational swing-bys and ground-based laser propulsion. We evaluate the feasibility of these methods, model their performance, identify their limitations, and estimate the time required for a sail-craft to reach the nearest neighboring star system, Alpha Centauri.