Prachi Patel

Contributing Writer

Prachi Patel is a Pittsburg-based freelancer and former contributor to Space.com who wrote about Mars, energy, materials science, satellites, technology, nanotechnology, and computing. She holds a master's degree in electrical engineering and a master's in science journalism. Before becoming a current editor at Chemical & Engineering News, she was a successful freelance science journalist, contributing frequently to C&EN, IEEE Spectrum, MRS Bulletin, Anthropocene, Nature, and Scientific American.

Latest articles by Prachi Patel

A conceptual microwave-propelled lightcraft receives microwave beams from an array of microwave sources on the ground.
Laser Propulsion Could Beam Rockets into Space

By Prachi Patel Published

The new concept, called beamed thermal propulsion, involves propelling a rocket by shining laser light or microwaves at it from the ground.

Technology
Future Mars Craft Inspires High-Tech Spy Plane
Robot Airplanes Could Unlock Mars Mysteries

By Prachi Patel Published

Scientists are working on a robotic airplane to explore Mars.

Mars
World's First Solar Sail Photographed in Deep Space
Solar Sail Spacecraft Could Explore Beyond Solar System

By Prachi Patel Published

Sun-powered spacecraft could be the ticket to traveling beyond the solar system, scientists say.

Solar System
Tiny Satellites Can Do Big Science
Tiny Satellites Can Do Big Science

By Prachi Patel Published

The shrinking technology of cell phones, laptops and cameras are now leading to palm-sized satellites.

Satellites
Robot Blimps Could Soar on Other Worlds
Robot Blimps Could Soar on Other Worlds

By Prachi Patel Published

New robot blimps or balloons could for thousands of kilometers to explore other planets and moons from a bird's eye view.

Technology