Laser propulsion

[job1207]

http://www.space.com/businesstechnology ... craft.html

Interesting article, but after reading it, I really do not know any more. How does this work? Will it work?

 

[R1]

Maybe the idea is to use many vehicles, or to take many trips, to lift small and lightweight masses repetitively to LEO.


It seems like experiments have been underway for a long time.

The laser propulsion experiments, Myrabo added, are also relevant to launching nanosatellites (weighing 1 to 10 kilograms) and microsatellites (10 to 100 kilograms) into low Earth orbit.

Highways of light

Creating and flying Myrabo's "highways of light" has been a methodical and step by step undertaking.

Back in 1996 through 1999, he flew Lightcraft prototypes via a 10 kilowatt high-power infrared laser at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. In 2000 - sponsored under a grant to his company - he established a new world altitude record of over 230 feet (71 meters) for laser-boosted vehicles in free fight.

 

[tampaDreamer]

This idea has some really great aspects.

1. You only lift the capsule and the payload. No engines, no fuel/oxidizer.
2. Everything is reusable.

 

[webtaz99]

This idea has some really great aspects.

1. You only lift the capsule and the payload. No engines, no fuel/oxidizer.
2. Everything is reusable.

They are still rockets (thermal rockets), and there is still propellant, and it will take mass. The current designs operate in atmosphere, and they use air. But to achieve orbit, the lightcraft would need to carry mass, to heat up and act as exhaust.