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Relativistic Drag: The Hidden Physics Complicating Interstellar Lightsails
Key Takeaways
- Lightsails face drag from photons at relativistic speeds due to Doppler effect and light aberration.
- At 75% of light speed, diffuse scattering becomes a drag force.
- Breakthrough Starshot and similar missions must account for these efficiency losses.
- Study treats sail as ideal mirror; real materials may introduce additional challenges.
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DT Editorial Team··via universetoday.com