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.
Launching of microsatellites using ground-based high-power pulsed lasers (Plenary Paper)
High-Power Laser Ablation V ; 2004 ; Taos,New Mexico,United States
Proc. SPIE ; 5448
2004-09-20
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Launching of Micro‐satellites Using Ground‐based High‐power Pulsed Lasers
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