The use of an earth-based high-power laser beam to provide energy for earth-launched rocket vehicle is investigated. The laser beam energy is absorbed in an opaque propellant gas and is converted to high-specific-impulse thrust by expanding the heated propellant to space by means of a nozzle. This laser propulsion scheme can produce specific impulses of several thousand seconds. Payload to gross-weight fractions about an order of magnitude higher than those for conventional chemical earth-launched vehicles appear possible. There is a several thousand seconds. Payload to gross-weight fractions about an order of magnitude higher than those for conventional chemical earth-launched vehicles appear possible. There is a potential for a significant reduction in cost per payload mass in earth orbit. (Author)


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    Title :

    Laser Propulsion


    Contributors:
    F. E. Rom (author) / H. A. Putre (author)

    Publication date :

    1972


    Size :

    20 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Laser propulsion

    KEMP, N. / ROSEN, D. | AIAA | 1984


    Laser propulsion

    Rom, F. E. / Putre, H. A. | NTRS | 1972


    Laser propulsion

    Kemp, N.H. / Rosen, D.I. | Tema Archive | 1984


    Laser propulsion

    PIRRI, A. / WEISS, R. | AIAA | 1972


    Laser propulsion

    Kemp, N. H. / Rosen, D. I. | NTRS | 1984