With a laser beam centered on its panel of photovoltaic cells, a lightweight model plane makes the first flight of an aircraft powered by a laser beam inside a building at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

Photographer NASA/Tom Tschida

Location AFRC

Date September 18, 2003

laser power beaming beamed power infrared laser remote control aircraft radio-control Marshall Space Flight Center propulsive power flight demonstration solar panel photovoltaic model aircraft Dave Bushman Tim Blackwell Tony Frakowiak

With a laser beam centered on its panel of photovoltaic cells, a model plane makes the first flight of an aircraft powered by a laser beam inside a building at NASA Marshall.