Skip to content
Surprising Science

Why We Can’t “Fire the Photon Torpedos”

Propelling a spaceship with photons would be like trying to energize a spaceship with a flashlight.
Sign up for Big Think on Substack
The most surprising and impactful new stories delivered to your inbox every week, for free.

Every Wednesday, Michio Kaku will be answering reader questions about physics and futuristic science. If you have a question for Dr. Kaku, just post it in the comments section below and check back on Wednesdays to see if he answers it.


Today, Dr. Kaku addresses a question posed by Serge Andrew Shpad: Is a photon engine possible? Could it be used to power a spaceship?

Sign up for Big Think on Substack
The most surprising and impactful new stories delivered to your inbox every week, for free.

Related

Up Next