Program and applications for a near-term laser launch system
This note discusses possible applications of a minimum-size laser launch system capable of launching 20 kg payloads into orbit. Such a launcher could greatly reduce the cost, and increase the capability, of space-based system, particularly in connection with Brilliant Pebbles'' technology. The ongoing SDIO Laser Propulsion Program has experimentally demonstrated the basic properties of a laser propulsion thruster, and analyzed many of the physics and technology issues involved in building a launcher. This note also presents the outline of a 5 year program to build such a launcher, starting with a modest extension of the current SDIO Program. 5 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/DP
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 6907065
- Report Number(s):
- UCID-21718; ON: DE90011760
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320201 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Transportation-- Air & Aerospace
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330000* -- Advanced Propulsion Systems
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450500 -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Strategic Defense Initiative-- (1990-)
COST
LASERS
LAUNCHING
NATIONAL DEFENSE
ORBITS
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
USES
320201 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Transportation-- Air & Aerospace
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330000* -- Advanced Propulsion Systems
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450500 -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Strategic Defense Initiative-- (1990-)
COST
LASERS
LAUNCHING
NATIONAL DEFENSE
ORBITS
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
USES