Lasers ‘powered by sunlight’ could transform space travel, scientists say

‘Sun-powered lasers’ that harness bacteria’s ability to convert sunlight into energy could power future missions to Mars, scientists have announced. Picture: Alamy/PA

Lasers that harness bacteria’s natural ability to convert sunlight into energy could power missions to Mars and provide a source of clean energy on Earth, scientists have announced.

The technology is inspired by the way plants and bacteria convert light into chemical energy through a process called photosynthesis.