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Analysis of the Laser Lightcraft VehicleAdvanced propulsion research and technology concepts require launch and space flight technologies, which can drastically reduce mission costs. Laser propulsion is a concept in which energy of a thrust producing reaction mass is supplied via beamed energy from an off-board power source. A variety of laser beamed energy concepts were theoretically and experimentally investigated since the early 1970's. During the 1980's the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDIO) research lead to the invention of the Laser Lightcraft concept. Based upon the Laser Lightcraft concept, the propulsion research center, TD 40, within the Space Transportation Directorate of NASA MSFC has set out to develop technologies required for launching small payloads into Earth Orbit for a cost of $1.0M or $1000/lb to $100/lb. The near term objectives are to demonstrate technologies and capabilities essential for a future earth to orbit launch capability. Laser propulsion offers the advantages of both high thrust and good specific impulse, I(sp) in excess of 1000 s(exp -1). Other advantages are the simplicity and reliability of the engine because of few moving parts; simplistic propellant feed system, and low specific fuel consumption as a result of high specific impulse. Major limitations of this approach are the laser power available, absorption and distortion of the pulsed laser beam through the atmosphere, and coupling laser power into thrust throughout the flight envelope. This summer's effort focused on performance of the laser engine, which included 1) optical ray tracing and 2), a time dependent calculation of the optically induced blast wave.
Document ID
20020043254
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Feikema, Douglas A.
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: 1999 NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program
Subject Category
Lasers And Masers
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGT8-52874
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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