Laser Propulsion in Space

Fundamentals, Technology, and Future Missions

1st Edition - June 4, 2024
Editor: Claude Phipps
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 1 5 9 0 3 - 9
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 1 5 9 0 2 - 2

Space launches have evoked the same vivid image for decades: bright orange flames exploding beneath a rocket as it lifts off and thunders into the sky. An alternative acceleration… Read more

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Space launches have evoked the same vivid image for decades: bright orange flames exploding beneath a rocket as it lifts off and thunders into the sky. An alternative acceleration system could reshape that vision forever, with rockets leaving their energy source on the ground... or in space.
Laser Propulsion in Space: Fundamentals, Technology, and Future Missions takes readers on a comprehensive journey from the theoretical overview of propulsion fundamentals, to reviews of current projects involving high-power CW fiber lasers and energetic mm-wave sources with their ongoing and potential end-use applications in beamed energy propulsion (BEP). Written by experts in the field, this mathematically sound reference text also highlights graphical solutions of equations’ results, as well as case studies with worked-out examples, making this book an invaluable compendium for students, researchers, technology developers and futurists in understanding the promise and challenges of this emerging technology.

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
Contributors
Preface
Overview
Synthesis
1: Basic theory of laser propulsion
Abstract
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Theory of laser ablation propulsion
1.3. Fluence (energy density on the target)
1.4. Pulse duration
1.5. Diffraction limits
1.6. There are several optima for Cm
1.7. Calculating coupling coefficients for a flight
1.8. Photon propulsion
1.9. Beamed energy propulsion
1.10. Comparing laser-driven and electric thrusters
1.11. Performance of electric and laser propulsion engines
1.12. Thermal coupling
1.13. Pulsed vs. CW photon propulsion
1.14. Ground-based vs. space-based laser ranging
1.15. Applications of laser ablation propulsion
1.16. Laser launching to LEO
1.17. Challenges
1.18. The future of laser space propulsion
1.19. Other applications of the Starshot laser
1.20. Conclusions
References
2: Breakthrough Starshot program overview
Abstract
2.1. Life in the universe
2.2. Origins of the Breakthrough Initiatives
2.3. Breakthrough Starshot
2.4. Designing a photon engine
2.5. Hierarchical optical phased arrays
2.6. Atmospheric correction
2.7. The cost perspective
References
3: Starshot system model
Abstract
3.1. Relativistic theory of pure photon propulsion
3.2. Cost vs. performance
3.3. What will be required
3.4. Possibility of human travel to the stars
References
4: Space situational awareness: the potential role of lasers in long-term sustainability of space operations
Abstract
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Number of objects in orbit
4.3. Feared events
4.4. Kessler syndrome
4.5. Potential actions
4.6. Cataloging orbital objects thanks to laser ranging
4.7. Deorbiting debris in low Earth orbit
4.8. Debris nudging in low Earth orbit and large debris traffic management
4.9. Reorbiting large debris in GEO
4.10. Synthesis
5: State of the art in high-power lasers
Abstract
5.1. Introduction
5.2. High-power CW lasers
5.3. Fiber lasers
5.4. High-power pulsed lasers
5.5. Beam combining
References
6: High-power laser engines
Abstract
6.0. Preface
6.1. Physical basics of laser propulsion
6.2. Pulsejet and ramjet laser propulsion
6.3. Laser ablation propulsion (LAP)
6.4. Laser thermal propulsion (LTP)
6.5. Some examples of improving the thrust characteristics of laser engines
6.6. Optical design of space vehicles with high-power laser engines
6.7. Conclusion
Glossary
References
Auxiliary references
7: Large-scale directed energy
Abstract
Acknowledgements
7.1. Introduction
7.2. Two modes of operation for propulsion – direct drive mode vs indirect drive mode
7.3. A roadmap to the future
7.4. Directed energy approaches – DDM
7.5. Phased-array laser
7.6. Modularity and scalability
7.7. Low-mass DDM cases
7.8. Avatar example – human missions including landing – facts are inconvenient truths
7.9. Stopping is useful
7.10. Avatar – ISV Venture Star analysis
7.11. Economics considerations
7.12. Indirect drive mode for high-mass missions in our solar system
7.13. Ground vs space deployment
7.14. Limitation of ground-based array deployment
7.15. Polar deployment
7.16. Space-based deployment options
7.17. Conclusions
References
8: The ways to improve momentum and kinetic efficiency of laser propulsion
Abstract
8.1. Introduction
8.2. An overview of the ways to improve
8.3. Dimensionless dependencies
8.4. Conclusions
References
9: Laser-driven, In-Tube Accelerator (LITA)
Abstract
9.1. Introduction
9.2. Experimental demonstrations
References
10: Fly by light – demos and prizes
Abstract
Acronyms used in this chapter
Acknowledgements
10.1. Foreword
10.2. Introduction (by Gregg Maryniak, XPRIZE Foundation)
10.3. LightPod racing venue
10.4. Beam-powered UAV case studies: lessons learned
10.5. LightPod racer conceptual design
10.6. Near-term competition ideas
10.7. Audacious competition ideas
10.8. Appendix A: Twelve beam-powered UAV case studies
10.9. Appendix B: Prize concept brief for zero carbon flight—LightPod racing venues
10.10. Appendix C: Preliminary conceptual design of a 100 MW suborbital launch array
References
11: The dual-use dilemma and high-energy systems in space
Abstract
11.1. Introduction
11.2. The dual-use dilemma and high-energy systems in space
11.3. Governance options of high-power systems
11.4. The next steps toward enabling the installation of high-energy systems in and toward space
11.5. Conclusion
References
Index

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