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Page last updated at 13:54 GMT, Thursday, 5 November 2009

Laser-powered robot aiming for space

LaserMotive robot and team

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A laser-powered robot, which could signal the future of space travel, has climbed a wire dangling from a helicopter almost a kilometre above the Mojave Desert in California.

LaserMotive's vehicle reached the top of the wire in just over four minutes.

The robot receives power remotely. A laser beam is aimed at solar cells on the base of the vehicle which power on-board motors.

Scientists believe that one day the same principles could be used to reach a point in a geostationary orbit.

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