Launching of Micro‐satellites Using Ground‐based High‐power Pulsed Lasers

This paper reviews the basic concepts of laser propulsion and summarizes work done to date using a 10 kW device. The paper describes a candidate megawatt class CO2 laser system which can be scaled relatively near‐term to multi‐megawatt power levels using demonstrated technology. Such a system would potentially be capable of launching micro‐satellites into low earth orbits (LEO) at relatively low cost. Our projections indicate that payloads of about 1kg/megawatt are achievable. The long wavelength of a CO2 laser will require the use of a large aperture telescope and/or large effective beam capture area for the lift vehicle. We believe that these limitations, not withstanding, rep‐pulsed CO2 in a blow‐down configuration lasting 200–300 seconds could achieve the desired propulsion objectives. The laser would use a helium‐free, nitrogen/carbon dioxide mixture to provide a very cost effective fuel.