starship-design: Solar sails/Laser sails

["L. Parker" <lparker@cacaphony.net>]

Isaac,


> What happens to the light which doesn't get reflected?  If it's
> transmitted, then 87% reflectivity is just fine.  If it's absorbed,
> then we've got a problem.  A limiting factor to laser sails is
> how much power per square meter they can handle without melting.

It is typically absorbed. We haven't really paid much attention to 
emissivity yet, but you are right, emissivity becomes important at high 
power levels.

Lee Parker