Accession Number:

ADA056748

Title:

Investigation of Laser Propulsion. Volume 2

Descriptive Note:

Final technical rept. 1 Mar 1976-15 Nov 1977

Corporate Author:

AVCO EVERETT RESEARCH LAB INC EVERETT MA

Personal Author(s):

• Chapman, P. K.
• Douglas-Hamilton, D. H.
• Legner, H.
• Reilly, D. A.
• Weyl, G.

Report Date:

1977-11-01

Pagination or Media Count:

265.0

Abstract:

The use of large ground based lasers to radiate power into a rocket engine allows arbitrary choice of propellant and specific impulse. The case of launch of one ton payload from near ground to geosynchronous transfer ellipse appears to be feasible using stacked carbon dioxide repetitive pulse lasers. Atmospheric propagation is enhanced by bleaching out CO2 absorption and using phase correction of the thermal blooming generated we expect that 1 microradian beam spreading can be achieved. The use of pulsed lasers permits an engine based on the laser detonation wave, in which laser energy is efficiently absorbed by inverse Bremsstrhlung in the propellant, which then expands out of the engine and provides thrust. Continuous use costs in the order of 20lb to GEO are anticipated.

Descriptors:

• *PULSED LASERS
• *ROCKET ENGINES
• *ROCKET PROPULSION
• BLEACHING AGENTS
• BREMSSTRAHLUNG
• CARBON DIOXIDE
• CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS
• GROUND STATIONS
• LASER BEAMS
• SPACE PROPULSION
• SPECIFIC IMPULSE
• THERMAL BLOOMING
• WATER VAPOR

Subject Categories:

• Lasers and Masers
• Rocket Engines

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE