Nature Podcast Sun-powered flyers could explore the mysterious mesosphere
Aug 13, 2025
Davide Castelvecchi, a Nature journalist, delves into revolutionary flight technology and the quest to understand gravity. He discusses a tiny solar-powered flyer that could explore the Earth's mesosphere, offering insights into otherworldly missions. Castelvecchi also unpacks the intriguing relationship between quantum mechanics and gravity, revealing upcoming experiments aimed at solving this elusive mystery. Plus, a glimpse into fascinating health research shows how parental genetic influence affects disease risk, enriching the conversation with a blend of science and innovation.
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Sun-Heat Drives Tiny Levitation
- Thermal transpiration moves gas from cold to hot regions at low pressure, creating lift through perforated membranes.
- Ben Schaefer's nano-engineered sandwich uses a chromium-coated bottom to heat and pull air through holes, generating levitation.
Mesosphere Flight Seems Physically Viable
- Models suggest a 6 cm version could fly in the mesosphere and carry small sensors or telecom payloads during daytime.
- Ben Schaefer estimates hundreds of milligrams of payload are feasible, enough for lightweight atmospheric instruments.
Plan For Daylight Limits
- Designers should target high-latitude summers or exploit Earth's thermal infrared to mitigate nighttime limitations.
- Explore designs that fly with lower sunlight and ways to carry varied sensing technology for practical deployments.