Laser-Powered flight
NASA has successfully built and flown a model plane powered by laser light. An invisible laser on the ground followed the flight of the plane, providing energy to its photovoltaic wings.
“The craft could keep flying as long as the energy source, in this case the laser beam, is uninterrupted,” said Robert Burdine, laser project manager for the tests, conducted at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.
In earlier flights completed last year, engineers manually traced the path flown by the plane with a theatrical spotlight that provided the power needed to turn its propeller.
The remote-controlled planes don’t have to carry their own fuel or batteries, providing more room for scientific instruments or communications equipment.
Scientists envision flying the planes on long-duration flights to monitor the environment, including erupting volcanos. The planes also could be used for surveillance or to provide communications links.
Source: USA Today