Testing shows using microwaves to propel a craft into space might work

http://phys.org/news/2015-07-microwaves-propel-craft-space.html ^ | July 22, 2015 | Bob Yirka

[Red Badger]

That tricky old Inverse Square Law......................

[I want the USA back]

Also, microwaves would not propel the spacecraft in this proposal. Saying so is dumb, since the article clearly states otherwise.

[Red Badger]

.....and what about the people and cargo? If the ‘beam’ was off just a little bit....................

[onedoug]

Orbital salvage will make me a multi-billionaire, as soon as I figure out how to do it.

[BenLurkin]

Ah.. The "Electric Cannon"

[InterceptPoint]

Would the beam have to be coherent?
++++
The phased array that they refer to would have to be huge resulting in an extremely narrow beam. It would, by its very nature, be coherent.

Multiple independent arrays would not have to be coherent with each other but a single array would be more efficient overall.

[N. Theknow]

What's our speed Mr. Scott?

We're really cooking Captain!

[martin_fierro]

If the idea pans out, the cost savings for sending satellites (or perhaps humans) into orbit could be considerable.

"Or perhaps missles. HOT DIGGETY DOG!"

[rikkir]

In a related report, Men in a 10 mile square radius of the Microwave, claim they are no longer able to father children, as their testicles now look like sun dried raisins.

:)