Two come to mind: ion drive (like the Deep Space 1 probe used [See source.]) and solar sail [See source.].
Both are propulsion schemes of high specific impulse. This just means that, even if the thrust power of the technology is low, the thrust can be sustained for very long periods...in the case of solar sail, indefinitely. Deep Space 1 uses ionized xenon gas as its propellent. Solar sail, as the name implies, uses sunlight like a sail would use wind.
This results because specific impulse is something like gas mileage, the higher the miles per gallon, the farther we can go on a tank of fuel. Like horsepower is typically relatively low on high mileage cars, the thrusts of the high specific impulse space vehicles is usually quite low compared to jet or conventional rocket driven ships. So neither ion nor solar sail propulsion is suitable for getting a ship off the Earth.
But once the ion or solar sail ship is in deep space, where gravity forces are small, either kind can accelerate for long periods of time and still have plenty of fuel for maneuvering. The Deep Space 1 probe showed this when it was maneuvered all around a comet to take some remarkable photos after traveling great distances from Earth.
2007-07-01 07:12:32
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answer #1
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answered by oldprof 7
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In 100 years; deep space travel is possible. Visits to the nearest neighbour is second nature. Consolidation with other galaxies takes on adventurous trips. Materials being mined from yet undiscovered planets. Conversations with other bodies are forthright though healthy and intelligent. Knowledable entities give lessons in logic and method reasoning. Spaceships are lightweight anti-gravity particulars reaching speeds of light.
2007-07-01 12:30:46
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answer #2
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answered by upyerjumper 5
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There will be amazing things as technology improves.I'm not supposed to tell you,it will remain unknown.
2007-07-01 08:12:55
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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