Can we use the momentum of light to propagate spacecrafts in space?

[Hrithik mudaliar]

as we know light has momentum so theoretically we can use it but is it practical?
(also this is it that light only exerts force if incident on something?)

 

[berkeman]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_sail

 

[anorlunda]

as we know light has momentum so theoretically we can use it but is it practical?
(also this is it that light only exerts force if incident on something?)

I would say "actual" rather than "practical", but the hydrogen bomb is triggered by use of light's momentum.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermonuclear_weapon#Radiation_pressure

 

[Hrithik mudaliar]

I would say "actual" rather than "practical", but the hydrogen bomb is triggered by use of light's momentum.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermonuclear_weapon#Radiation_pressure

i didnt say actual because i didnt know