Hybrid solar and laser propulsion

Max M. Michaelis; Ashokabose Moorgawa; Hassan Bencherif; David Boutchiama

doi:10.1117/12.482146

13 September 2002 Hybrid solar and laser propulsion

Max M. Michaelis, Ashokabose Moorgawa, Hassan Bencherif, David Boutchiama

Proceedings Volume 4760, High-Power Laser Ablation IV; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.482146
Event: International Symposium on High-Power Laser Ablation 2002, 2002, Taos, New Mexico, United States

Abstract

Hybrid laser experiments have been conducted in a variety of high power/energy laser experiments: beat wave electron accelerators, rainbow and ignitor fusion, particle acceleration and double pulse laser propulsion schemes. Following our determination that the momentum coupling coefficient for burning targets is much higher than for cold targets, we propose using solar energy from a vast thin foil mirror, laid on a pre-prepared surface, to boost the satellite during its atmospheric trajectory. Solar power propels a lighter than air craft during the first part of the ascent and enhances the coupling to the pulse laser during the second. We present preliminary pendulum coupling results for burning targets and describe a solar and laser hybrid experiment.

Citation Download Citation

Max M. Michaelis, Ashokabose Moorgawa, Hassan Bencherif, and David Boutchiama "Hybrid solar and laser propulsion", Proc. SPIE 4760, High-Power Laser Ablation IV, (13 September 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.482146

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available