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.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Vehicle And System Concepts For Laser Orbital Maneuvering And Interplanetary Propulsion


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    BEAMED ENERGY PROPULSION: First International Symposium on Beamed Energy Propulsion ; 2002 ; Huntsville, Alabama (USA)


    Published in:

    AIP Conference Proceedings ; 664 , 1 ; 662-673


    Publication date :

    2003-05-14


    Size :

    12 pages





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Vehicle and System Concepts for Laser Orbital Maneuvering and Interplanetary Propulsion

    Kare, J. T. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003


    Orbital propulsion system for space maneuvering (PROFAC)

    Demetriades, S.T. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1959


    Propulsion Systems for Orbital Maneuvering Stages

    Lamont, E. A. / Diem, H. G. | SAE Technical Papers | 1972


    Orbital maneuvering vehicle attitude control system

    PARRY, PAUL / GOLUB, ALEX / SOUTHWOOD, DANA | AIAA | 1989