Micro Laser Plasma Thrusters for Small Satellites
Abstract
Micro and nano-satellites will be from 100kg to as little as 1kg. However, microthrusters which produce the very small minimum impulse bits (MIB) needed to accurately point these satellites did not exist before we developed our micro laser plasma thruster (micro-LPT). The micro-LPT is an efficient, long life, low thrust pulsed rocket engine which uses a high brightness semiconductor or glass fiber laser as a source of energy. It uses a simple low voltage semiconductor switch to drive the laser without using any electrical power in the off state. A lens brings the laser light output to a target within a very small spot, producing a spark or miniature jet, which provides the impulse. Advantages of the LPT relative to other engines are: (1) specific impulse up to 2,000 seconds, much larger than competing techniques because of the high temperature produced by the focused laser; (2) the smallest minimum impulse bit (MIB) of any thruster: 1 nano newton second; (3) a very large operating range for impulse generated by a single device (100,000 bits :(1); and (4) a nearly infinite force range in a single device Potential total mass of a few ounces arising from the smallness and simplicity of the operating parts of the engine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 08, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA366032
Entities
People
- Claude Phipps