Humans are currently experimenting with light sail technology that uses light from the sun. (redorbit.com)
The function performed by the imagined structures is to move alien vehicles using light sails, in which powerful light beams propel a reflective surface in the vacuum of space. (redorbit.com)
If nothing else, the possibility of sending light sails to orbit many nearby stars suggests a natural next - generation, longer - term follow - up to Starshot's more urgent mission goals. (scientificamerican.com)