These lightsails leverage laser radiation pressure, potentially facilitating rapid interplanetary travel, with the capability to reach Mars in the same time it takes for international mail to be delivered.

Lightsails are ultra-thin, reflective structures that utilize laser-driven radiation pressure to propel spacecraft at high speeds, measuring about 1/1000th the thickness of a human hair.

This research positions TU Delft at the forefront of nanoscale material science, exploring applications in light-matter interactions and relativistic phenomena.

The Breakthrough Starshot Initiative aims to utilize similar technologies to make interstellar travel feasible within 20 years, significantly reducing the time needed for spacecraft to reach the nearest star.

This approach allows for the creation of large-scale structures that maintain nanoscale precision, potentially leading to lightsails that could span seven football fields while remaining lightweight and highly reflective.

Current prototypes have demonstrated propulsion over picometer distances, with aspirations to achieve centimeter movements on Earth, representing a significant leap from previous laser propulsion experiments.

Dr. Richard Norte highlights that this research represents a paradigm shift in nanotechnology, enabling high-aspect-ratio devices that can scale up to massive structures while remaining millimeter-thin.

Researchers at TU Delft and Brown University have made significant strides in space exploration by developing scalable nanotechnology-based lightsails, as detailed in a recent study published in Nature Communications.

These ultrathin lightsails are designed for laser propulsion, marking a pivotal advancement in both nanotechnology and the future of space travel.

The innovative fabrication process combines neural topology optimization with advanced manufacturing techniques, enabling designs that push the boundaries of nanophotonics and large-scale production.

Traditional fabrication methods for lightsails would typically take around 15 years, but the new techniques introduced by the researchers can produce them in just 24 hours.

The current prototype measures 60mm by 60mm and is only 200 nanometers thick, featuring billions of nanoscale holes that enhance its performance.