The detailed description and performance analysis of a 1.4 meter diameter Lightcraft Technology Demonstrator (LTD) is presented. The novel launch system employs a 100 MW-class ground-based laser to transmit power directly to an advanced combined-cycle engine that propels the 120 kg LTD to orbit -- with a mass ratio of two. The single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) LTD machine then becomes an autonomous sensor satellite that can deliver precise, high quality information typical of today's large orbital platforms. The dominant motivation behind this study is to provide an example of how laser propulsion and its low launch costs can induce a comparable order-of-magnitude reduction in sensor satellite packaging costs. The issue is simply one of production technology for future, survivable SSTO aerospace vehicles that intimately share both laser propulsion engine and satellite functional hardware. 12 refs., 31 figs.


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    Title :

    Transatmospheric Laser Propulsion: Final Report


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1988


    Size :

    121 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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