Relativistic space probes reaching 0.1c are feasible with present-day technology.
Current research on directed-energy laser propulsion and nanophotonic lightsails indicates that deploying relativistic probes reaching up to 0.1c is increasingly feasible using present and near-future technology.
The retrieved literature consistently supports the feasibility of laser-driven relativistic probes (such as through directed energy and lightsail architectures), citing ongoing advancements in nanophotonics, optomechanics, and programs like Project Starlight.
Srivastava PR, Swartzlander GA Jr. Optomechanics of a stable diffractive axicon light sail.. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-020-00542-1
Optomechanical modeling demonstrates that stable beam-riding light sails can achieve high longitudinal force limits necessary for relativistic speeds.
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Lantin S, Mendell S, Akkad G, Cohen AN, Apicella X, McCoy E, Beltran-Pardo E, Waltemathe M, Srinivasan P, Joshi PM, Rothman JH, Lubin P. Interstellar space biology via Project Starlight.. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.10.009
The NASA Starlight program establishes a credible technological path for using directed-energy propulsion to send small spacecraft to relativistic speeds.
Norder L, Yin S, de Jong MHJ, Stallone F, Aydogmus H, Sberna PM, Bessa MA, Norte RA. Pentagonal photonic crystal mirrors: scalable lightsails with enhanced acceleration via neural topology optimization.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57749-y
Recent advancements in scalable nanophotonics and neural topology optimization allow for the fabrication of lightweight lightsails capable of reaching relativistic fractions of light speed.
Santi G, Corso AJ, Garoli D, Lio GE, Manente M, Favaro G, Bazzan M, Piotto G, Andriolli N, Strambini L, Pavarin D, Badia L, Proietti Zaccaria R, Lubin P, Ragazzoni R, Pelizzo MG. Swarm of lightsail nanosatellites for Solar System exploration.. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-46101-3
Laser-driven lightsail nanosatellites are recognized as a viable architecture for high-speed interstellar and solar system exploration.
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