Laser-Heated Rocket Thruster.
Abstract
This report presents the results of the Laser-Heated Rocket Thruster Program, Contract NAS3-19728. The objectives of this program were to: (1) perform design and analysis of a 5OOO-kw laser heated rocket thruster; (2) design a lO-kw configuration through scaling and design analysis; and (3) fabricate and deliver lO.kw experimental hardware (thrust chamber assembly, thrust stand, and plasma initiation system). A space vehicle application using 5000kw input laser power was conceptually evaluated. A detailed design evaluation of a lO-kw experimental thruster including plasma size, chamber size, cooling, and performance analyses were performed for a 3.45 X l0(5) N/M2 (5O psia) chamber pressure and using hydrogen as a propellant. The l0-kw hardware fabricated included a water-cooled chamber, an un-cooled copper chamber, an injector, ignitors, and a thrust stand. Also a detailed design of an lO-kw optical train was performed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA339054
Entities
People
- James M. Shoji