6 cool things from Star Wars that will become a reality in 2025

In a galaxy far, far away, many things seemed impossible - lightsabers, talking droids and holographic projections. But what if some of these fantastic technologies already exist here and now, on Earth? Missouri University of Science and Technology engineers Daniel B. Oerter and William Schoenberg re-watched George Lucas's iconic films and came to a surprising conclusion: Some of the most impressive inventions in the Star Wars universe are already a reality—or at least in active development. In this article we will talk about technologies that have moved from science fiction into everyday life.

1. Lightsabers: from science fiction to engineering prototypes

The lightsaber, the iconic weapon of the Jedi, has long inspired engineers and enthusiasts around the world. While creating a fully functional fixed-length plasma blade lightsaber remains a challenge, significant progress has been made.

• Hacksmith Industries in 2020 introduced a prototype plasma sword capable of cutting metal. However, the device requires bulky equipment and gas cylinders, which limits its mobility.
• Physicists from Harvard and MIT were able to create molecules from photons in 2013, which is a step towards controlling light in a dense medium - potential basis for future lightsabers.
• Disney engineer Lanny Smoot introduced a realistic retractable lightsaber designed for theme parks and shows. Although the device has not yet entered mass production, it demonstrates the company's commitment to creating immersive technologies that bring science fiction closer to reality.

Although real lightsabers are still a long way off, these developments show that science is gradually moving closer to realizing fantastic concepts.

2. Droids and robots: from astromechs to assistants in orbit

In the Star Wars universe, droids such as R2-D2 and C-3PO play a key role. In reality, robots are becoming an integral part of space missions and everyday life.

• Robonaut R2 from NASA and General Motors was sent to the ISS in 2011 to perform tasks that are dangerous or difficult for humans. He worked at the station for seven years.
Boston Dynamics'
• Atlas robot is capable of moving over rough terrain and performing complex manipulations, demonstrating a level of autonomy approaching that of science-fiction droids.
• MUTT (Multi-Utility Tactical Transport) is a tactical robot from General Dynamics, designed for transporting cargo and evacuating the wounded, capable of operating up to 72 hours without recharging.

These technologies highlight humanity's desire to create autonomous assistants capable of performing a variety of tasks in a variety of environments.

3. Holograms and holographic communications: from projections to reality

Holographic projections, as a means of communication in Star Wars, have inspired scientists to create real-life analogues.

• Engineers at the University of Utah have developed a handheld device that can record and play back full-color 3D holograms, bringing us closer to instant visual communication technology.
• In 2012, at the Coachella festival, a hologram of Tupac Shakur was presented, performing in front of thousands of spectators, demonstrating the possibilities of holographic technology in entertainment.

Although technology has not yet reached the level shown in films, advances in holography promise a revolution in the way we communicate and present information.

4. Extracting water from thin air: fantasy becomes reality

In Star Wars Episode 4, Luke Skywalker's uncle, farmer Owen Lars, collected water from the air in the arid conditions of the planet Tatooine - a scene that once seemed pure fiction. However, in 2025, this idea no longer seems so fantastic. At the second International Atmospheric Water Harvesting Summit, held in March, experts discussed real-world technologies that make it possible to obtain water directly from the air, even in desert conditions.

With a need of about three liters of water per person per day and a world population of over eight billion, humanity needs to receive approximately 10 trillion liters of clean drinking water annually. In theory, there is enough precipitation, but it is distributed extremely unevenly, and most of it ends up in the oceans. Meanwhile, deserts occupy about 20% of the land and are home to more than a billion people.

Scientists have already created installations powered by solar energy and capable of extracting water from dry air. Special materials trap moisture molecules, and then, under the influence of sunlight, condensation occurs and drinking water is formed. What was once seen as science fiction in a distant galaxy is already helping today to solve global problems on Earth.

5.Space debris: the real threat that Star Wars warned about

After the destruction of the second Death Star in Return of the Jedi, gigantic debris was left in space - not surprising, since the station was the size of a small asteroid, more than 140 kilometers across. In the cinematic universe, the situation was saved by a hyperdimensional wormhole, which supposedly scattered debris throughout the galaxy. In reality, humanity does not have such technology - and the debris remaining after launches and accidents in space continues to accumulate in orbit.

According to the website Orbiting Now, by the end of April 2025, more than 12,000 active satellites surrounded the Earth. In total, about 50,000 objects orbiting the planet are tracked, and this is only part of the problem. It is estimated that millions of pieces of space debris are too small to be detected by ground-based tracking systems, but still pose a serious threat.

In conditions of dense traffic in orbit, as well as on earthly routes, collisions are possible. However, while on the roads the consequences of an accident can be removed, in space the debris scatters at enormous speed - from 10,000 to 30,000 km/h - and can damage other satellites or even the International Space Station.

The growing density of space debris is becoming a real threat. Specialists from NASA, ESA and other agencies are developing technologies to collect and remove the most dangerous objects. In the meantime, humanity, unlike the heroes of fantasy sagas, is forced to cope with the consequences of its own actions without the help of hyperspace.

6. Power as biology: from midichlorians to mitochondria

Power as biology: from midichlorians to mitochondria

Before the release of The Phantom Menace in 1999, the "Force" in Star Wars was perceived by audiences as something mystical - an invisible energy that connected the entire Universe.But George Lucas went further and explained that the source of the Force is midichlorians, tiny intelligent organisms that live in the cells of living beings. This caused a wave of controversy among fans, but also attracted the attention of scientists.

Modern biologists have seen in midichlorians a parallel with mitochondria - real organelles that are found in the cells of all complex life forms on Earth. Mitochondria provide cells with energy and, according to scientists, were once independent bacteria that entered into symbiosis with other cells. Moreover, research shows that mitochondria can interact with other organisms, including bacteria.

Today, doctors are already mastering technologies for transplanting mitochondria between cells. These developments are reminiscent of organ transplantation, only on a micro scale. In the future, such procedures may treat mitochondrial diseases and, who knows, perhaps even bring us closer to understanding “the Force” - not as a mysticism, but as a real biological resource.