Ablative Laser Propulsion (ALP) is defined by a direct momentum transfer due to mass ablated from a solid target. Studies of this concept have yielded specific impulses (Isp) and coupling coefficients (Cm) of 1000 – 5000 s and 2 – 8 dynes/Watt respectively. These parameters were used to design and test the first ALP‐vehicles on the laboratory scale. Two models of the first ALP‐vehicles were made from electroplated nickel (mass 35 mg) and Kapton (10 mg). Initial tests in vacuum and in air were attempted using 100‐ps wide, 35 mJ laser pulses at 532 nm wavelength. The Isp and Cm deduced from these tests are in good agreement with previously reported figures.
Initial Demonstration of Ablative Laser Propulsion
BEAMED ENERGY PROPULSION: Third International Symposium on Beamed Energy Propulsion ; 2004 ; Troy, New York (USA)
AIP Conference Proceedings ; 766 , 1 ; 406-413
2005-04-27
8 pages
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Initial Demonstration of Ablative Laser Propulsion
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