Lasers and graphene aerogels could revolutionize propulsion systems in space

Lasers may pave the way for innovative propulsion systems in space, particularly through the use of graphene aerogels, according to findings from recent research. An international team conducted groundbreaking experiments aboard the European Space Agency’s (ESA) 86th parabolic flight campaign in May 2025, using the ultralight material to explore its potential for steering solar sails and adjusting satellite positions.

During the flight, researchers subjected graphene aerogel cubes to laser stimulation during periods of weightlessness, observing the remarkable effects of laser interaction. The results were striking, as the graphene samples displayed rapid movement, propelling forward almost instantaneously in the microgravity environment.

The experiment involved a continuous laser directed at three small graphene aerogel cubes housed in a vacuum chamber. High-speed cameras monitored their response through transparent tubes. The unique characteristics of graphene aerogels, which combine exceptional electrical conductivity with advantageous structural properties, proved vital to the experiment’s success. Despite being lightweight and porous, these materials maintain impressive mechanical strength.

Marco Braibanti, the project scientist at ESA overseeing the study titled “Light-driven propulsion of graphene aerogels in microgravity,” noted the startling speed of the aerogels’ reaction. The movement occurred almost instantaneously, with large accelerations registered within just 30 milliseconds. Under regular gravitational conditions, the aerogels hardly exhibited any movement, highlighting the enhanced potential for light propulsion in a microgravity context.

The study, conducted in collaboration with researchers at the Université Libre de Bruxelles and Khalifa University, emphasized that manipulating the strength of the laser could effectively control the propulsion levels. “In essence, the stronger the laser, the greater the acceleration we observed,” Braibanti explained, pointing out that the lasers triggered sharp peaks in acceleration before the aerogels began to decelerate.

These findings, detailed in the journal Advanced Science, suggest that using light to propel graphene aerogels in space is not only feasible but highly efficient. This method could lead to the development of future technologies such as solar sail propulsion and precise attitude adjustments for small satellites. Transitioning to such propulsion systems may save valuable fuel, allowing expanded capacity for other equipment in space missions.

Ugo Lafont, a materials physics and chemistry engineer at ESA, remarked on the broader implications of their work, stating, “We are paving the way for a propellant-free propulsion future. These ultralight graphene aerogels represent a significant step towards reducing fuel consumption and hardware requirements in space.”

While still largely exploratory, this research builds on earlier studies demonstrating various motion forms induced by light on graphene, including levitation and rotation. ESA is actively investigating this potential through the Enable topical team, working to fully understand the advantages of two-dimensional materials in future space exploration.