fred@mnetor.UUCP (Fred Williams) (05/30/85)
I suspect that the idea of a laser base on earth, or nearby space as a source of power for an interstellar probe is not practical. My reasoning is that if a laser aimed at the moon lights a spot two miles in diameter then the beam is not sufficiently coherant at interstellar distances. In short, you *would* be defeated by the inverse square law. From a reliablility standpoint I believe the best way to conduct interstellar exploration is with manned craft. This means carefully balanced ecosystems, large spacecraft, fully maintainable and self sufficient. (ie. it doesn't have to come back). I realise that this exceeds current cost limitations, but it's just a dream anyway. I believe such a craft could be constructed using present technology. So have we not reached a point where our reach exceeds our grasp? Cheers, Fred Williams.