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UnifiedQuantumField t1_j4q1wba wrote

>When objects made from the graphene-SiO2 composite structure are irradiated by a laser beam, gas molecules on their back side receive more energy and push the object toward the light source. Combining this with the low air pressure of a rarified gas environment allowed the researchers to obtain a laser pulling force strong enough to move macroscopic objects.

tldr; Sounds like this doesn't work in a vacuum. So no Star Trek type tractor beams (or impulse drives) yet.

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ForgiLaGeord t1_j4snfr2 wrote

Impulse is effectively a fusion drive, no real magic tech needed there (aside from the energy to run it)

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UnifiedQuantumField t1_j4uggtx wrote

> Impulse is effectively a fusion drive

There are some people working on what's called a Mach Effect drive. That would really be an impulse drive.

There's another idea that involves oscillating muons, or something like that.

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