Laser plasma thruster continuous thrust experiment

James R. Luke; Claude R. Phipps; G. Glen McDuff

doi:10.1117/12.482039

13 September 2002 Laser plasma thruster continuous thrust experiment

James R. Luke, Claude R. Phipps, G. Glen McDuff

Proceedings Volume 4760, High-Power Laser Ablation IV; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.482039
Event: International Symposium on High-Power Laser Ablation 2002, 2002, Taos, New Mexico, United States

Abstract

The laser plasma thruster (LPT) is a new microthruster for small satellites. We report on development and testing of a prototype LPT. Some advantages of the LPT are: thruster voltage 4 V, mass less than 1 kg, power-to-thrust ratio 10 kW/newton and Isp up to 1000 seconds. Typical thrust level is 250 (mu) N with PVC fuel. Thrust of 1 mN is expected with energetic fuel. The pre-prototype continuous thrust experiment includes the laser mount and heat sink, lens mounts, and focusing mechanism, which are coupled to the target material transport mechanism. The target material is applied to a transparent plastic tape, and the laser is focused on a series of tracks on the tape. The tape drive hardware and laser drive electronics, are described, as well as the control and diagnostic software. Design, construction, and calibration of the thrust stand are described. During continuous operation, the exhaust plume is deflected in the direction of the moving tape. When the laser is operated in pulsed mode, the exhaust plume is perpendicular to the tape (parallel to the optical axis). This provides some thrust vector control.

Citation Download Citation

James R. Luke, Claude R. Phipps, and G. Glen McDuff "Laser plasma thruster continuous thrust experiment", Proc. SPIE 4760, High-Power Laser Ablation IV, (13 September 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.482039

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