@S1-A.ARPA,@MIT-MC.ARPA:linnig%ti-eg.csnet@csnet-relay.arpa (06/03/85)
From: Mike_Linnig <linnig%ti-eg.csnet@csnet-relay.arpa> > > Alas, not so. Lasers do not eliminate the inverse-square problem, they > merely postpone it. Keeping a beam focused on a lightsail over > interstellar distances is still a major problem, although solutions are > known (albeit ones that involve very large structures, which would have > to be space-based). ah... but be careful about providing photon thrust from a laser in earth orbit or you might find yourself launching your laser platform ! Mike Linnig Texas Instruments Inc., Ada Technology Branch