Using microwaves to propel a craft into space might work

[MoonSpot]

 

A team of researchers at Colorado based Escape Dynamics is reporting that initial tests indicate that it might really be possible to launch space-planes into space using microwaves sent from the ground, to allow for a single stage spacecraft. If the idea pans out, the cost savings for sending satellites (or perhaps humans) into orbit could be considerable.

 
Personally the idea of relocating the energy required to achieve escape velocity, and or orbit, is where I think the future of spaceflight is.  At least our next big step in terms of technology/infrastructure should be along these lines, I think.  I keep toying with the idea of a colossal maglev ramp to catapult vehicles vertically, kind of like an aircraft carrier blasting fighters off the deck...but different.  Either way, not needing huge amounts of rocket fuel, or the stages of each rocket that gets dropped from capsules is an exciting prospect.
 
Source, animation and full article at http://phys.org/news/2015-07-microwaves-propel-craft-space.html

[DigitalHermit]

Huge electromagnetic catapult + SRBs/ramjet to get it out of the atmosphere, solar sails/lazor propulsion/microwave engine...

 

(I watched too much Gundam)

 

Or we could just wait for the Japanese to construct their space elevator...

[Guest Strangerbob]

When they develop a system when the craft doesnt need propellant to get to orbit, then they have achieved history and unlocked a whole new era.

 

Once out of the planets gravity well - moving around in space without a propellant is much easier, we can already do it now.

[GoldSrc]

When they develop a system when the craft doesnt need propellant to get to orbit, then they have achieved history and unlocked a whole new era.

I really want to see that in my lifetime.

[Bouzoo]

Somehow I was expecting a bunch of these to power the jet :lol:

[Shaade]

When they develop a system when the craft doesnt need propellant to get to orbit, then they have achieved history and unlocked a whole new era.

 

Once out of the planets gravity well - moving around in space without a propellant is much easier, we can already do it now.

 

There will still be the problem of the amount of time it takes to travel anywhere significant in space though D:

[samuel]

If this succeeds, we will have a major step in mining the space and potentially saving the planet from...us.

[linuxfan66]

This idea is just cool. Full stop

[samuel]

What would happen if it malfunctions everyone get microwaved to death ?

there is jail for that. Not everyone, the earth is round....

[linuxfan66]

What would happen if it malfunctions everyone get microwaved to death ?

Probably not the signal would weaken?

[Trik'Stari]

Well this thread escalated quickly.

 

 

No wonder so many of us want to get off this planet. I love the idea of a giant maglev/rail gun ram being used to escape orbit. Although I'm sure there'd be some kind of problem with G-forces an acceleration and what not.