Laser Propulsion and the Constant Momentum Mission

Details Laser Propulsion and the Constant Momentum Mission Laser Propulsion and the Constant Momentum Mission

Mar 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004aipc..702..216l&link_type=abstract

BEAMED ENERGY PROPULSION: Second International Symposium on Beamed Energy Propulsion. AIP Conference Proceedings, Volume 702, p

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Laser Applications, Spaceborne And Space Research Instruments, Apparatus, And Components, Plasma Production And Heating By Laser Beams

Scientific paper

We show that perfect propulsion requires a constant momentum mission, as a consequence of Newton's second law. Perfect propulsion occurs when the velocity of the propelled mass in the inertial frame of reference matches the velocity of the propellant jet in the rocket frame of reference. We compare constant momentum to constant specific impulse propulsion, which, for a given specification of the mission delta V, has an optimum specific impulse that maximizes the propelled mass per unit jet kinetic energy investment. We also describe findings of more than 50 % efficiency for conversion of laser energy into jet kinetic energy by ablation of solids.

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