Some novel space propulsion systems

Several spacecraft beam-propulsion concepts are introduced. "Mesoparticle beam propulsion" uses a collimated beam of mesoscopic particles, very roughly on the order of a nanogram mass each. Molecular nanotechnologies may permit the inclusion of entire guidance systems in each particle. "Micro Lightsails for beam propulsion" proposes matter-beams composed of small, thin film lightsails with nanoscale components. Pushing a spacecraft with small, high velocity lightsails may be currently viable. "Ultracold matter beam generators" are proposed as a new type of space-based particle-beam. Design-variants include a laser-cooled thermal jet and a laser-cooled, neutralized-ion beam. Possible uses include the shipment of condensed, ultracold matter through space, the formation of an "artificial aerobraking corridor", and beam-propulsion for micro and nanospacecraft.