Why We Can’t “Fire the Photon Torpedos”
Propelling a spaceship with photons would be like trying to energize a spaceship with a flashlight.
![](https://develop.bigthink.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/origin-86.jpg?w=480&h=270&crop=1)
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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?
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The most counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful new stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday.