An experimental approach is proposed for the near‐term demonstration of space‐borne laser propulsion. A feasibility study at the ZARM Drop Tower Bremen is planned. The facility provides microgravity conditions within a drop capsule for seconds. An excimer laser is used for energy beaming operating at a wavelength of 248 nm with max. 500 mJ pulse energy and a repetition rate of 250 Hz. Within the drop capsule, free flights of a lightcraft are intended to be conducted in air as well as under vacuum conditions. Different propellants are reviewed regarding their features for propulsion with a UV laser. The scalability of previous ground‐based flight experiments is discussed with respect to microgravity conditions and moderate pulse energies. Space logistic and sample return missions are discussed as possible applications.
Spaceborne Lightcraft Applications—an Experimental Approach
BEAMED ENERGY PROPULSION: Fifth International Symposium on Beamed Energy Propulsion ; 2007 ; Kailua‐Kona (Hawaii)
AIP Conference Proceedings ; 997 , 1 ; 295-303
2008-04-28
9 pages
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Spaceborne Lightcraft Applications-An Experimental Approach
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