We have developed a new type of miniature rocket motor for pointing and positioning microsatellites. A specially prepared tape with a transparent layer, through which the laser light passes, and an absorbing layer produce the thrust by the laser ablation process. We have achieved a specific impulse of 1800 s (greater than possible with chemistry), and laser momentum coupling coefficients of up to 50 dyn/W. The preprototype achieved 68 dyn of thrust. We discuss the target interaction physics and some of our measurements with the preprototype thruster.
Laser-driven micro-rocket
Applied Physics A (Materials Science and Processing) ; 77 , 2 ; 193-201
2003
9 Seiten, 22 Quellen
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
Numerical and experimental investigation of laser-driven rocket and micro-airplane
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