Beamed-electric propulsion for near-term interstellar flight is discussed. A radiation pressure-supported laser beam receiver system mounted on the starship is considered. Constructed of perforated solar sail material, this device could be applied on both laser rockets and laser ramjets. The potential performance of laser rockets and ramjets is reviewed in light of performance projections for electric rockets. A representative one-way centuries-long interstellar exploration/colonization mission is defined in terms of mass allotments. For this mission, a comparison of beamed electric ramjet and rocket performance is presented. It is shown that rockets and ramjets have comparable performance for expeditions directed to the nearest stars (Proxima/Alpha Centauri and Barnard's Star). For more distant destinations, the laser ramjet (operating with a solar sail first stage) is superior. Both the ramjet and rocket are assumed to decelerate using identical electric/magnetic drag screens.


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    Title :

    Interstellar Flight: Aspects of Beamed Electric Propulsion


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1988


    Size :

    3 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





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