New method to launch tiny space probes using just sunlight
Columbia University astronomer David Kipping has introduced TARS—a new way to launch tiny space probes using just sunlight.
Instead of rockets or lasers, TARS spins up big, lightweight paddles in space, where it can harness sunlight to store solar energy as rotation, then flings out phone-sized probes fast enough to leave our solar system.
TARS uses 2 thin paddles connected by a tether
TARS uses two thin paddles—one shiny, one dark—connected by a tether.
Sunlight slowly spins the paddles over several years.
Once ready, it releases a small probe at speeds over 42km/s—enough to escape the sun's pull.
TARS can be built with carbon nanotubes available today
TARS can be built with carbon nanotubes available today and spun up over several years.
Down the line, upgrades like graphene and the Oberth effect could push probe speeds even higher—up to 0.3% of light speed.
It's a big step toward exploring beyond our solar system
While reaching nearby stars like Alpha Centauri would still take centuries, TARS makes it much cheaper and simpler to send microprobes into deep space—no fancy propulsion needed.
It's a big step toward exploring beyond our solar system using just the power of sunlight.