Breakthrough Starshot

Patricia Daukantas

Some researchers say that phased arrays of laser amplifiers could propel gram-sized spacecraft to the stars in 20 years. But are human technologies ready for the challenging journey?

Interesting diversion into a bit of science fiction (for now): using phased laser array to accelerate tiny spaceships equipped with light sails to a velocity 0.2C.  As identified in the article, one of the challenges will be squeezing every instrument needed for an interstellar trip into a gram-scale package.

Now, I wonder if there's a way to place phased-array communications lasers, imagers, accelerometers, gyroscopes and other microelectromechanical-system devices in a single wafer?

https://www.osa-opn.org/home/articles/volume_28/may_2017/features/breakthrough_starshot/

https://www.osa-opn.org/opn/media/Images/PDF/2017/0517/26-33_OPN_05_17.pdf?ext=.pdf