Interstellar spacecraft. © Wikimedia
Using light to move objects in space isn’t a new idea. Light particles (photons) carry a tiny amount of momentum, and when they hit something, they can push it slightly.
This is how solar sails work, using sunlight to slowly move spacecraft, like wind pushing a sailboat.
Now, scientists are taking this idea further. They’ve found a way to control how light pushes objects much more precisely using special materials called metasurfaces.
These materials can bend and reflect light in unusual ways, letting researchers control the direction and strength of the force. By shaping light in this way, they can create movement in multiple directions, even lifting objects while pushing them forward at the same time.
A diagram of the metajet’s motion. © Newton
Experiments confirmed this works, showing both sideways motion and lifting effects. Even better, the force increases as the light becomes more powerful, which means the concept could scale up.
Why it matters:
This could lead to advanced ways of moving objects using only light, no fuel needed. In the future, it might help power more efficient spacecraft, including large light sails for deep-space travel.
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