JASON Laser Propulsion Study, Summer 1977

Abstract

Laser propulsion is an idea that may produce a revolution in space technology. A single laser facility on the ground can in theory launch single- stage vehicles into low or high earth orbit. The payload can be 20% or 30% of the vehicle take-off weight. It is far more economical in the use of mass and energy than chemical propulsion, and it is far more flexible in putting identical vehicles into a variety of orbits.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1977
Accession Number
ADA047901

Entities

People

  • F. J. Dyson
  • F. W. Perkins Jr.

Organizations

  • SRI International

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adaptive Optics
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheric Motion
  • Contractors
  • Earth Orbits
  • Energy
  • Feasibility Studies
  • High Earth Orbits
  • Laser Beams
  • Lasers
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Orbits
  • Physics
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Space Shuttles
  • Space Systems
  • Turbulence

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Satellites