Pulsed laser propulsion for low cost, high volume launch to orbit
Description:
Pulsed laser propulsion offers the prospect of delivering high thrust at high specific impulse (500-1000 seconds) from a very simple thruster, using the energy of a remote ground-based laser to heat an inert propellant. Current analyses indicate that payloads of approximately 1 kg per megawatt of average laser power can be launched at a rate of one payload every 15 minutes and a marginal cost of $20 to $200 per kg. A 20 MW entry-level launch system could be built using current technology at a c…
more
Date:
June 2, 1989
Creator:
Kare, J.
Item Type:
Refine your search to only
Article
Partner:
UNT Libraries Government Documents Department