Entertainment
One Of Sci-Fi's Coolest Pieces Of Technology Is Becoming A Reality
Researchers have found a way to build a system for real-life tractor beams to haul objects in space.
By Douglas Helm
| Published
Rebel ships better watch out because, apparently, we’re closer to making tractor beams a reality than ever. Once confined to science fiction, tractor beams are edging closer to reality, though not in the way most people imagine from Star Wars or Star Trek.
A team led by University of Colorado Boulder aerospace engineer Hanspeter Schaub has spent years developing what’s known as an electrostatic tractor beam, a system designed to move space debris without physically touching it. Recent testing and modeling suggest the concept has advanced far enough that researchers now see it as a serious candidate for future orbital cleanup missions.
Earth Orbit Needs A Cleanup Team
The technology is aimed at solving a growing problem in low Earth orbit. Thousands of dead satellites, spent rocket stages, and shattered fragments already circle the planet at speeds exceeding 17,000 miles per hour. Every collision creates even more debris, increasing the risk of a runaway chain reaction known as Kessler Syndrome. First proposed by NASA scientist Donald Kessler in 1978, the theory predicts that Earth’s orbit could eventually become so crowded with high-speed junk that launching new satellites or crewed spacecraft would become dangerously difficult.
Unlike science fiction tractor beams that instantly yank ships through space, Schaub’s concept relies on electrostatic attraction. A servicing spacecraft approaches a derelict satellite or chunk of debris and fires a beam of electrons at it, giving the target a negative electrical charge. The servicing craft maintains a positive charge, creating an attractive force between the two objects. The result is a slow but continuous pull that can nudge debris into a safer orbit or guide it toward atmospheric reentry.
One of the biggest advantages of the system is that it never needs to physically dock with unstable debris. Traditional capture methods using robotic arms, nets, or harpoons become extremely risky when dealing with objects tumbling uncontrollably through space. Electrostatic tractor beams could potentially maneuver those objects from a distance, reducing the chance of catastrophic collisions during cleanup operations.
Refining The Tractor Tech
Schaub’s team has continued refining the technology inside the Electrostatic Charging Laboratory for Interactions between Plasma and Spacecraft, a specialized vacuum chamber that simulates the plasma conditions of orbit. Researchers use metal targets to imitate dead satellites and debris while studying how charged particles interact in microgravity-like conditions.
One major breakthrough involved controlling rotation. Space debris often spins chaotically, making it difficult to stabilize. The team discovered that pulsing electron beams rhythmically can gradually slow that motion, effectively acting like an invisible braking system before towing begins. That capability could prove just as important as the tractor beam itself.
The project still faces major engineering hurdles. Earth’s upper atmosphere contains constantly shifting plasma environments that can interfere with electrostatic forces. Ion wakes trailing behind spacecraft may also distort the beam’s effectiveness depending on altitude and solar activity. Power generation is another issue, since maintaining large electrical charges in orbit requires substantial onboard energy.
These Tractor Beams Are Not Just A Theory
Even so, the idea has moved well beyond theory. Schaub’s more recent estimates suggest that a full-scale electrostatic debris-removal mission could move multi-ton objects over hundreds of miles over the course of several months. The technology is also attracting renewed interest because the orbital debris crisis has worsened dramatically in recent years, driven by megaconstellations like SpaceX’s Starlink network and repeated anti-satellite weapon tests conducted by governments worldwide.
Several other companies and agencies are pursuing competing debris-removal systems, including magnetic docking craft, drag sails, robotic grapplers, and laser-based nudging systems. But electrostatic tractor beams remain one of the few concepts capable of moving non-cooperative debris without direct contact.
If funding and testing continue at the current pace, Schaub believes the first operational electrostatic tractor spacecraft could launch sometime in the 2030s. That still sounds like science fiction. But so did reusable rockets twenty years ago.
Entertainment
The best Memorial Day tech deals you can shop this weekend — save on headphones, laptops, and more
Table of Contents
Replacing a busted laptop or losing your favorite earbuds is painful enough without having to pay full retail price to replace them. Memorial Day is historically a great weekend to score discounts on big-ticket electronics (and mattresses!), but finding a real deal among all the manufactured holiday markdowns can be confusing, and a little insulting. (Looking at you, inflated list prices!)
To help you find the biggest discounts, I sifted through the sales to round up the best tech deals happening this weekend. I prioritized Mashable’s favorite tech — so you get genuinely good, vetted gear, not just whatever inventory retailers are trying to clear out of their warehouses.
Best Memorial Day headphone deal
$169
at Amazon
$199
Save $30
Why we like it
Read our full review of the Nothing Headphone (a).
Mashable’s Lead Shopping Reporter is fresh off reviewing Nothing’s new mid-range headphones, which she rated a 4.3/5. She thinks they’re better than the flagship Nothing Headphone (1) because they offer the same app experience, comparable noise cancellation, and a comfier fit at a lower price. Moreover, they last for up to 135 hours on a single charge (!) without ANC, and their retro design is fun. Amazon has them on sale for a record-low price ahead of Memorial Day, saving you 15%.
More Memorial Day headphone deals
Earbud deals
Best Memorial Day speaker deal
$43
at Amazon
$64.99
Save $21.99
Why we like it
Read our full guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.
If you’re looking for a portable speaker that you can just grab and throw in your bag, I couldn’t recommend the Sony SRS-XB100 enough. I’ve had this exact one for years and it goes everywhere with me — I take it to the beach, hang it in the outside shower at my parents’ OBX house, and set it up when I’m hanging with friends on the balcony. It has serious sound for how small it is, and right now you can get it for $43 (down from $64.99). That’s a total steal for a speaker this good.
Want to pay even less? You can get a “renewed” Sony SRS-XB100 for $39.99.
More Memorial Day speaker deals
Best Memorial Day laptop deal
$899.99
at Amazon
$1,099
Save $199.01
Why we like it
Read our full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.
The MacBook Neo is only $10 off on Amazon right now, but the brand-new 13-inch MacBook Air is $100 off there — you can get the base model for just $949. This is the lowest price we’ve seen it go for since April 6. In our review, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth said the new MacBook Air “takes everything good about the MacBook Air and adds the faster M5 chip.”
More Memorial Day laptop deals
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Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,149
$1,299(save $150) -
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,499
$1,699(save $200) -
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,749
$1,899(save $150) -
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 15-core CPU/16-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,399.99
$2,599(save $199.01)
Best Memorial Day TV deal
$309.99
at Amazon
$399.99
Save $90
Why we like it
Right now, you can get last year’s Amazon Ember 50-inch 4-Series with Fire TV for $309.99. (If you’re a new Xbox GamePass customer, you’ll also get a month of the subscription service for free.) That’s a 23% discount and not too shabby of a deal for a 2025 TV.
Mashable Deals
More Memorial Day TV deals
Best Memorial Day smartwatch deal
$69
at Amazon
$99
Save $30
Why we like it
Read our full review of the CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro.
The Mashable Choice Award-winning CMF Watch 3 Pro features great health, fitness, and sleep tracking tools, and it lasts forever — it’s rated at up to 13 days per charge with average use. It’s not as sleek as other wearables, but it’s an impeccable value at its $99 MSRP: “Please, no one tell Nothing they should be charging a lot more for this watch,” writes Mashable Contributor and reviewer Lauren Allain. Right now, it’s yours for 30% off.
More Memorial Day smartwatch deals
Best Memorial Day smart home deal
$14.99
at Amazon
$39.99
Save $25
Enter code SELCT4K at checkout.
Why we like it
Amazon’s budget 4K streaming stick has been going on sale regularly since its launch last fall, but it’s never been this cheap before. (Be sure to enter the coupon code SELECT4K at checkout.) At 63% off, it’s very difficult to see it getting any cheaper come Prime Day.
More Memorial Day streaming stick deals
Home security deals
Entertainment
Finally start learning Spanish, Italian, and French with this exclusive Babbel deal
TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Babbel through this exclusive StackSocial offer for $159 with promo code LEARN before the deal ends June 2.
$159
$646.20
Save $487.20
Maybe it’s for travel, maybe it’s for work, or maybe you’re just tired of staring blankly at subtitles — whatever the motivation, this Babbel deal makes it easier to finally commit to learning a new language. StackSocial is currently offering lifetime access to every Babbel language course for a one-time payment of $159 (reg. $299) with code LEARN, giving you permanent access without monthly subscription fees hanging over your head.
Unlike no-name apps that promise fluency without substance, Babbel takes a human approach and was developed by over 100 expert linguists and backed by researchers from Yale University. It’s designed to help you actually speak a new language with confidence — whether you’re prepping for a trip abroad, connecting with family, or hoping to boost your career.
Mashable Deals
You’ll get access to 14 languages and 10,000+ hours of high-quality content. Lessons are short and made to fit into even packed schedules — just 10 to 15 minutes — and available on desktop or mobile, with progress synced across devices. You can even download lessons to practice offline, whether that’s on a flight or in a Wi-Fi dead zone on the subway.
Mashable Trend Report
How Babbel can help you become fluent:
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Real conversations: Lessons focus on practical topics like dining, shopping, transportation, and more.
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Speech recognition: Built-in tools help you perfect pronunciation and avoid awkward slip-ups.
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Personalized learning: Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you’ll find lessons that match your level.
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Expert design: A proven method that emphasizes conversational skills over rote memorization.
And with lifetime access, you’re free to hone in on one language or explore all 14 — on your schedule, forever.
Pick up a lifetime Babbel Language Learning access for $159 (reg. $299) with this limited-time exclusive offer from StackSocial using code LEARN for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Entertainment
60+ of the best Memorial Day deals: We found TVs, mattresses, headphones, and more on sale
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The unofficial start to summer is almost here, but you don’t have to wait until Memorial Day itself on May 25 to find those Memorial Day deals.
There are already deals live at Amazon, where you’ll find savings of up to 40%. There are also plenty of savings from other online shopping destinations, with deals on products such as mattresses, TVs, furniture, and outdoor patio items. Plenty of brands are getting in on early MDW action — you can grab the Dyson Airwrap i.d. for $150 off and the Bose QuietComfort headphones for $120 off.
We’ll be updating all the best Memorial Day deals throughout the weekend, so be sure to keep checking back on this page for the biggest and best savings.
Best Memorial Day Amazon deals
$259
at Amazon
$349.99
Save $90.99
Why we like it
What says start of the summer better than slushies on demand? When Mashable’s Leah Stodart reviewed the Ninja Slushi, she pointed out the merits of the Slushi over a regular blender: no ice is required, and it keeps drinks frozen while in its cooling cylinder. From cola slushies to frosé, this might just be the ultimate summer drink machine. It has some downsides (sugar-free beverages are a no-go), but if you’re a frozen drink enthusiast, this deal is worth a closer look.
More Amazon deals
Best Memorial Day TV deals
$264.99
at Best Buy
$529.99
Save $265
Why we like it
Best Buy and Amazon have been racing to match prices on this Fire TV. Best Buy was initially $75 cheaper than Amazon, so Amazon dropped its sale price to keep pace. But that’s only a piece of the picture demonstrating just how good this deal is. Our resident TV expert, Leah Stodart, pointed out that this $264.99 price point is so good that it’s less than the sale price of the 43-inch version of Amazon’s most basic Ember 4K Fire TV. In other words, if you’re looking to score a solid deal on a smart TV this Memorial Day, this could be the one for you.
More TV deals
43-inch to 50-inch TVs
55-inch TVs
Mashable Deals
65-inch TVs
70-inch TVs and up
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Pioneer 70-inch 4K Roku TV — $319.99
$509.99(save $190) -
Insignia 75-inch QF QLED 4K TV — $399.99
$649.99(save $250) -
Hisense 75-inch E7 Mini-LED 4K TV — $749.99
$1,299(save $549.01) -
TCL 75-inch QM6K Mini-LED 4K TV — $899.99
$1,299.99(save $400) -
Hisense 85-inch U6 Mini‑LED 4K TV — $1,199.99
$1,999.99(save $800) -
TCL 85-inch QM6K Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,199.99
$1,999.99(save $800) -
LG 77-inch B5 OLED 4K TV — $1,499.99
$2,399.99(save $1,500) -
Sony Bravia 5 85-inch Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,798
$2,999.99(save $601.99)
Best Memorial Day mattress deals
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Avocado: Get up to 20% off organic mattresses, bed toppers, and bedding.
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Amerisleep: Get up to $1,000 off all mattresses and 40% off bundles
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Bear: Get 35% off sitewide, plus $275 worth of free accessories
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Casper: Get up to 30% off select mattresses and 35% off bundles
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Purple: Get up to $900 off a mattress and a base
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Helix: Get 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY25
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Leesa: Get 30% off select mattresses
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Mattress Firm: Get up to 60% off select mattresses with queens starting at $189.99
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Nectar: Get up to 50% off select mattresses and 66% off bundles
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Saatva: Save up to $650 on mattresses, including the Saatva Classic and Memory Foam Hybrid mattresses
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Serta: Save up to $600 on select mattress and adjustable base sets
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Sleep Number: Save up to $1,200 on ClimateCool and ComfortNext mattresses, BOGO free Ultimate Shape Pillows, and BOGO 50% off sheets
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Tempur-Pedic: Save 40% on the Tempur-Cloud Mattress or up to $500 on adjustable mattress sets, plus free gifts
Best Memorial Day home deals
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Brooklinen: Refresh your bedding for summer with 25% off sitewide
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Buffy: Save up to 25% sitewide
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Caraway Home: Save up to 30% on cookware and bakeware
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Cozy Earth: Save 20% sitewide or 25% when you buy three or more items
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Crate & Barrel: Save up to 60% on rugs, 35% on kitchen brands, and 30% on furniture
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Cuisinart: Save 15% on $99.95+, 20% on $149.95+, and 25% on $249.95+
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Home Depot: Save up to 40% on select appliances, 20% on select patio furniture, and up to $175 off on select tools now through May 27
-
Joybird: Take up to 45% off on bestselling furniture and up to 35% off sitewide through May 25
-
Kohl’s: Save up to 50% sitewide on clothes, kitchen appliances, bedding, patio furniture, and more
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Lovesac: Save 40% sitewide through May 31
-
Lowe’s: Save on appliances, grills, patio furniture, gardening supplies, and more through June 3
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Mellow Sleep: Get $20 off $100, $50 off $200, or $100 off $300
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Nest New York: Save 25% sitewide with code 25OFF
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Parachute: Save 25% sitewide plus 30% on bundles
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Ruggable: Save up to 25% sitewide
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Rugs Direct: Save up to 80% sitewide on brands like Safavieh, Chris Loves Julia, Loloi, Rifle Paper Co., and Rugs USA
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SharkNinja: Save up to 30% on Ninja kitchen appliances and Shark vacuums, hair tools, and fans
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Target: Target’s Hello Summer Sale brings deals on summer favorites, including up to 20% off kids’ outdoor toys and up to 45% off patio furniture and garden essentials
-
Wayfair: Save up to 70% sitewide
Best Memorial Day tech deals
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Best Buy: Save on TVs, Apple products, laptops, monitors, Sony cameras, Bluetooth speakers, and more
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BJ’s Wholesale Club: Get up to 50% off TVs and electronics, 25% off mattresses, and 15% off home and kitchen
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HP: Save up to 72% on OmniBook laptops, Omen gaming PCs, All-in-One desktops, and more
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Lenovo: Save up to 30% on ThinkPad, Yoga, ThinkBook, IdeaPad, and Legion laptops
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LG: Save up to 44% on TVs, 40% on monitors, and up to 58% on appliances
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Tile: Save up to 40% on trackers
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TP-Link: Save up to $220 on select products, including the Tapo C460 (4-Pack) + H500, plus get an additional 10% off sitewide with code USA10
Best Memorial Day beauty deals
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Dyson: Save up to $150 on the Dyson Airwrap i.d., Airstrait, and Supersonic Nural
-
FabFitFun: Save 40% on your first box, plus get a free Vacation bonus box ($250 value) with an annual membership signup
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L’ange: Save up to 44% on select tools with code MEMORIAL, plus an extra 15% off your entire order with code EXTRA15
Best Memorial Day outdoor deals
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Bote: Save 15% sitewide
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Columbia: Save up to 40% on “almost everything”
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Dick’s Sporting Goods: Save up to 50% on bikes, kayaks, tents, grills, and golf gear, save up to to 40% on Nike and adidas
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Huffy: Save 25% on select bikes
-
HOVERAir: Save up to 47%
-
Rumpl: Save 25% sitewide
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Solo Stove: Save 15% on select fire pits and pizza ovens
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