This paper reviews the basic concepts of laser propulsion and summarizes work done to date using a 10 kW device. The paper describes a candidate megawatt class CO2 laser system which can be scaled relatively near-term to multi-megawatt power levels using demonstrated technology. Such a system would potentially be capable of launching micro-satellites into low earth orbits (LEO) at relatively low cost. Our projections indicate that payloads of about 1kg/megawatt are achievable. The long wavelength of a CO2 laser will require the use of a large aperture telescope and/or large effective beam capture area for the lift vehicle. We believe that these limitations, not withstanding, rep-pulsed CO2 in a blow-down configuration lasting 200-300 seconds could achieve the desired propulsion objectives. The laser would use a helium-free, nitrogen/carbon dioxide mixture to provide a very cost effective fuel.


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    Title :

    Launching of microsatellites using ground-based high-power pulsed lasers (Plenary Paper)


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    High-Power Laser Ablation V ; 2004 ; Taos,New Mexico,United States


    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2004-09-20





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



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