Pulsed Laser Propulsion Studies. Volume 1. Thruster Physics and Performance
Abstract
This report describes experimental and analytical studies on pulsed laser propulsion. Volume I describes thruster performance and phenomenology studies. They include. They include theoretical investigations of laser-induced gas breakdown at 10.6 microns and 0.35 microns, the development of a detailed computer model of the quasi-one dimensional nonsteady flow of real gases in the nozzle, and small-scale thruster performance and absorption physics experiments using pulsed CO2 (10.6 microns) and XeF (0.35 microns) lasers. Volume II contains the results of mission analysis studies to evaluate the system requirements of some candidate defense-related missions for pulsed laser propulsion. These studies address the problem of orbit-to-orbit transfer of satellites, as well as the launch of a vehicle from the earth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA122038
Entities
People
- David I. Rosen
- G. Kothandaraman
- G. Weyl
- N. H. Kemp
- P. E. Nebolsine
Organizations
- Physical Sciences (United States)