In‐space laser ablative propulsion using beamed power (as opposed to on‐board lasers) may be superior to all alternatives, except possibly nuclear propulsion, for rapid, efficient transport within the Earth‐Moon system and, eventually, the inner Solar system. The keys to this concept are large, lightweight transmitting optics and even larger, lighter vehicle‐based collectors. We present scaling relationships for cislunar and interplanetary laser propulsion, and discuss some options for these components. In particular, large (10 – 50 meter) diffractive optics and holographic concentrators appear to be enabling technologies that can be demonstrated within a few years and deployed operationally in the 2010’s.
Vehicle And System Concepts For Laser Orbital Maneuvering And Interplanetary Propulsion
BEAMED ENERGY PROPULSION: First International Symposium on Beamed Energy Propulsion ; 2002 ; Huntsville, Alabama (USA)
AIP Conference Proceedings ; 664 , 1 ; 662-673
2003-05-14
12 pages
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Vehicle and System Concepts for Laser Orbital Maneuvering and Interplanetary Propulsion
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