Abstract This paper surveys recent and current advancements of laser-induced ablation technology for space-based applications and discusses ways of bringing such applications to fruition. Laser ablation is achieved by illuminating a given material with a laser light source. The high surface power densities provided by the laser enable the illuminated material to sublimate and ablate. Possible applications include the deflection of Near Earth Objects – asteroids and comets – from an Earth-impacting event, the vaporisation of space structures and debris, the mineral and material extraction of asteroids and/or as an energy source for future propulsion systems. This paper will discuss each application and the technological advancements that are required to make laser-induced ablation a practical process for use within the space arena. Particular improvements include the efficiency of high power lasers, the collimation of the laser beam (including beam quality) and the power conversion process. These key technological improvements are seen as strategic and merit greater political and commercial support.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Potential of laser-induced ablation for future space applications


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Space Policy ; 28 , 3 ; 149-153


    Publication date :

    2012-05-22


    Size :

    5 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Study of laser ablation induced impulse for laser space debris removal

    Tsuno, Katsuhiko / Wada, Satoshi / Ogawa, Takayo et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2023


    Ultrafast Laser Ablation for Space Propulsion

    Batishchev, Oleg / Cambier, Jean-Luc / Batishcheva, Alla | AIAA | 2008


    Laser-induced transparency during nanosecond laser ablation

    Andreev, S. N. / Samokhin, A. A. / Kartashov, I. N. et al. | SPIE | 2003