Specific Impulse Analysis of Solid Materials for Ablative Laser Propulsion

Our Phase-I investigations were completely successful and gave new life to the concept of ablative laser propulsion (ALP). New measurement techniques and equipment have been incorporated into the basic experimental apparatus constructed in Phase I, and this improvement will add considerably to our capabilities and to the fundamental understanding of laser-matter interactions. Three materials (lead, aluminum, and carbon) showed the greatest promise for ALP in Phase I and we will concentrate on these in Phase II. Our interest has previously been directed toward investigating the fundamental physics of ALP and we believe that the important concepts are now understood well enough to take the next step and actually produce a flight demonstration of a prototype ALP-powered craft. Phase II will begin with further investigation of the selected materials and will conclude with the construction and flight of a laser-propelled craft of our own design. The proposed work will demonstrate the viability of the ALP concept.