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Jonnyb42
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If light has momentum, is it possible to have an intense enough "flash light" to provide measurable thrust?
Illuminative thrust is a theoretical concept that suggests light can be used as a form of propulsion. It proposes that the momentum of photons can be harnessed to create movement.
Illuminative thrust works by using a highly concentrated beam of light, such as a laser, to exert force on an object. As the photons in the beam reflect off the surface of the object, they transfer their momentum to it, resulting in a small but measurable amount of propulsion.
While there have been some successful experiments that have shown small amounts of propulsion using light, the concept of illuminative thrust is still in the early stages of research and has not been fully demonstrated on a large scale.
Illuminative thrust could potentially be used in space exploration, as it does not require any propellant and could therefore greatly reduce the weight and cost of spacecraft. It could also be used in Earth-based applications, such as solar sails for renewable energy production.
One of the main challenges is the amount of force that can be generated using illuminative thrust. The momentum of photons is very small, so it would require a highly focused and powerful laser to produce significant propulsion. Additionally, the technology for harnessing and controlling the light would need to be highly precise and efficient.