Abstract
One of the key components for future space exploration, manned or unmanned, is the availability of propulsion systems beyond the state of the art. The rapid development in conventional propulsion systems since the middle of the 20th century has already reached the limits of chemical propulsion technology. To enhance mission radius, shorten the transit time and also extend the lifetime of a spacecraft more efficient, but still powerful propulsion system must be developed. Apart from the propulsion system a major weight contribution arises from the required energy source. Envisioning rapid development of future high average power laser systems and especially the ICAN project we review the prospect of advanced space propulsion based on laser systems.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
R.J. White, M. Averner, Nature 409, 1115 (2000)
F.A. Cucinotta, M. Durante, The Lancet Oncology 7, 431 (2006)
Nasa: Deep Space One Homepage, http://nmp.jpl.nasa.gov/ds1
R.C. O’Brien, R.M. Ambrosi, N.P. Bannister, S.D. Howe, H.V. Atkinson, J. Nucl. Mat. 377, 506 (2008)
W.H. Robbins, H.B. Finger, An Historical Perspective oft he NERVA Nuclear Rocket Engine Technology Program, NASA Contractor Report 187154, AIAA-91-3451 (1991)
B.G. Logan, An alternative strategy for low specific power reactors to power interplanetary spacecraft, based on exploiting lasers, lunar resources, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Report UCID-21621 (1989)
G. Mourou, B. Brocklesby, T. Tajima, J. Limpert, Nat. Photon. 7, 258 (2013)
ICAN Homepage, www.izest.polytechnique.edu > IZEST Home > ICAN
R.D. Arno, J.S. MacKay, K. Nishioka, Applications Analysis of High Energy Lasers, NASA AMES report NASA TM X-62, 142 (March 1972)
W.J. Schafer Associates Inc., A Study to Survey NASA Laser Applications, in Space Laser Transmission Studies, edited by M.D. Williams, E.J. Conway (NASA Conference Publication 2214, 1982)
S. Koynov, M.S. Brandt, M. Slutzmann, Appl. Phys. Lett. 88, 203107 (2006)
G.H. Walker, J.H. Heinbockel, Photovoltaic Conversions of Laser Power to Electrical Power, NASA Langley Report, NASA TM 89041 (1988)
A.W. Bett, F. Dimroth, R. Löckenhoff, E. Oliva, J. Schubert, III-V Solar Cells under Monochromatic Illumination, IEEE Proceedings: Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, ISBN: 978-1-4244-1640-0 (2008)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Roth, M., Logan, B.G. Advanced space power and propulsion based on lasers. Eur. Phys. J. Spec. Top. 224, 2657–2663 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2015-02578-4
Received:
Revised:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2015-02578-4