Laser-powered robot aiming for space

A laser-powered robot, which could signal the future of space travel, has climbed a wire dangling from a helicopter almost a kilometre above the Mojave Desert in California.LaserMotive's vehicle reached the top of the wire in just over four minutes.The robot receives power remotely. A laser beam is aimed at solar cells on the base of the vehicle which power on-board motors.Scientists believe that one day the same principles could be used to reach a point in a geostationary orbit.

BBC | November 5, 2009

Tags:. .minutesthe. .geostationary. .dangling. .laser. .mojave desert