NASA to research tractor beams

[Deckerd]

Like what it says in the title. BBC report

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

From a hand-waving standpoint, I guess you could combine this technique with Trek's inertia-nullifying technology to produce a tractor beam that would work on large objects in the way that's depicted in the show. However, until we know how to manipulate inertial mass (by modifying the strength of coupling to the Higgs field, perhaps), my suggestion would more properly belong in Trek Tech.

 

[MANT!]

Hmm that pesky Inverse Square Law might get in the way

 

[Scientist_MAD]

I wonder if this idea, for an acoustical tractor beam, could work. http://home.centurytel.net/bubbles/Details.htm#0105

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

Not too well in a vacuum, methinks...unless someone can think up a way to manipulate the space-time foam.

 

[publiusr]

Good for a gas giant...