Nasa examines 'tractor beams' for sample gathering (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

US space agency Nasa has funded a study of "tractor beams" to gather samples for analysis in future missions.

The $100,000 (£63,000) award will be used to examine three laser-based approaches to do what has until now been the stuff of science fiction.

Several tractor-beam ideas have been published in the scientific literature but none has yet been put to use.

Nasa scientist Paul Stysley says the approach could "enhance science goals and reduce mission risk".

"Though a mainstay in science fiction, and Star Trek in particular, laser-based trapping isn't fanciful or beyond current technological know-how," said Dr Stysley of Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Center, whose group was awarded the research funding.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15535115

[sakabatou]

1. More Star Trek tech coming into fruition

Hand held communicator (original series) - Flip phone
Universal translator - Military phraselator
Global Positioning via Transporter Console - GPS
Scalpel-Free Surgery vs - Ultrasound Surgery
Starships That Detect Signs of Life - Mars Research Spacecraft That Detect Signs of Life
Communications Earpiece (original series) - Bluetooth Earpiece
Star Trek: PADD - Today: iPad

[murielm99]

2. Won't it be fun when they can beam us up?

[sakabatou]

3. Well, we have to get a Heisenberg compensator first

[DetlefK]

4. I just realized, that "HEISENBERG!" doesn't sound as cool as "KHAN!".

[Swede]

5. Aye,but the dilithium crystals canna hold on much longer!

:shrug: