Abstract This paper describes the conceptual study of a Manned Space Transportation Vehicle (MSTV) using a laser thruster in combination with the H-II Rocket. By combining the use of a laser thruster and H-II Rocket, space trip to the International Space Station (ISS) or a round trip mission around the moon can be performed. Once MSTV with one crew achieves a circular orbit at an altitude of 200km around the earth (parking orbit) by use of H-II Rocket, MSTV will then put into a circular orbit into an altitude of 400km (ISS orbit) from 200km circular orbit by use of the laser thruster. H-II Rocket has the following launch capability with payloads for LEO (300km): 10t (H-II A Rocket), 16.5t (H-II B Rocket). Laser thruster using water propellant, power source for the laser, orbital transfer calculations (to ISS or the Moon) and other practical aspects are examined.
Highlights ► Manned Space Transportation Vehicle (MSTV) using laser thruster is investigated. ► MSTV that carries both laser device and power supply on board is found to be feasible. ► MSTV is propelled by laser thruster using water as propellant. ► MSTV is launched and put into LEO 200km with H-II Rocket. ► Orbital transfer is performed to arrive at ISS of LEO 400km by laser thruster.
Conceptual study of manned space transportation vehicle using laser thruster in combination with the H-II rocket
Acta Astronautica ; 82 , 2 ; 166-172
2012-05-08
7 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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