All the relativistic rocket equations I've seen include an onboard fuel mass lessening during the journey. If the ship were instead propelled by a Bessel beam laser sail, would that change things? How?
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$\begingroup$ See here. $\endgroup$– J.G.Sep 11, 2021 at 21:01
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In theory it is possible for the ship to be propelled by a distant laser pointing at a light sail, thus eliminating the need to carry fuel for propulsion. However, you would have to have a corresponding laser at your destination to slow you to a stop.
answered Sep 11, 2021 at 19:53