Program and Applications for a Near-Term Laser Launch System

Abstract

This note discusses possible applications of a minimum-size laser launch system capable of launching 20 kg payloads into orbit. Such a launcher could greatly reduce the cost, and increase the capability, of space-based system, particularly in connection with 'Brilliant Pebbles' technology. The ongoing SDIO laser Propulsion Program has experimentally demonstrated the basic properties of a laser propulsion thruster, and analyzed many of the physics and technology issues involved in building a launcher. This note also presents the outline of a 5 year program to build such a launcher, starting with a modest extension of the current SDIO Program.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA339076

Entities

People

  • J. T. Kare

Organizations

  • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • California
  • Cameras
  • Carbon Dioxide Lasers
  • Earth Orbits
  • Free Electron Lasers
  • Governments
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Pulses
  • Lasers
  • Payload
  • Propellants
  • Space Based
  • Space Stations
  • Specific Impulse
  • United States
  • United States Government

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.

Technology Areas

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