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From: @S1-A.ARPA,@MIT-MC.ARPA:linnig%ti-eg.csnet@csnet-relay.arpa
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: Laser Source In Orbit
Message-ID: <2043@mordor.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 3-Jun-85 13:16:55 EDT
Article-I.D.: mordor.2043
Posted: Mon Jun  3 13:16:55 1985
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From: Mike_Linnig <linnig%ti-eg.csnet@csnet-relay.arpa>

>
> Alas, not so.  Lasers do not eliminate the inverse-square problem, they
> merely postpone it.  Keeping a beam focused on a lightsail over
> interstellar distances is still a major problem, although solutions are
> known (albeit ones that involve very large structures, which would have
> to be space-based).

ah... 

but be careful about providing photon thrust from a laser in earth orbit
or you might find yourself launching your laser platform !


Mike Linnig
Texas Instruments Inc.,
Ada Technology Branch