Advanced Rocket Propulsion Technologies

"Laser beam propulsion is an alternative launch system with substantial potential for reducing the cost of placing satellites in orbit. This unique form of propulsion can also be used to move vehicles at high speeds within the atmosphere and in space.Recent ground-based RP 10.6 ¿m laser demonstrations of laser-propelled air-breathing vehicles have sparked keen interest in this form of propulsion. Instead of ground-based launch, this proposed effort emphasizes the benefits of launch to orbit fromhigh-altitude aircraft platforms. The approach makes use of the fact that the technology to place a 1.3 ¿m CW high-energy laser on an aircraft for missile defense applications will be available in several years. The ABL system will solve many of theproblems necessary for beam propulsion over large distances, i.e., pointing and tracking, and beam propagation. PSI's program to accomplish a detailed systematic study of launch to orbit from an ABL platform that will be contrasted to launch using aground-based system. The investigation will trade-off the difficulty of vehicle engagement from an ABL at altitude versus the engagement from ground launch with a GBL. The laser-propelled vehicle dynamics will play a central role in the analysis. Theresults of this project will have a direct impact on the use of beam propulsion for the commercial satellite launch market. It will guide the development of laser-propelled flight vehicles. Future appl