BBC reports on three ways scientists are bringing tractor beams into reality:
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.
They’re using lasers like tweezers and like spiral-shaped scoops. The first tractor beams will just grab molecules for atmosphere samples.
The pulling the little ship into the pod bay of the bigger ship – that’ll have to wait a bit longer.