At 32C3 we shot lasers into space... now it's lasers in space! We look at space- and airborne laser platforms and what practical uses people have come up with (hint: mostly more or less secret communication and military use). We'll also recap the basic physics and boundaries and check if 'pew pew pew' is really gonna cut it (hint: mostly no). To close, we'll have a look at laser based propulsion for space travel and other speculative applications off the beaten path.
Today lasers are routinely flown on space and airborne platforms for scientific, military and telecommunication applications. While they make nice special effects in action and sci-fi movies, there are physical boundaries that guide the use of lasers in space and in surface to air/space scenarios. 'SDI' might not be straight forward, but intercepting airborne vehicles or laser based communication to submerged submarines is no longer science fiction. But can we use it for space travel? Lets see.
Speakers: Peter Buschkamp