Feasibility for a Single-Stage-to-Orbit Launch to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit by Pulse Laser Propulsion

Abstract

An air-breathing pulse laser powered launcher has been proposed as an alternative to conventional chemical launch systems. The trajectory from the ground to a geosynchronous transfer orbit by pulse laser propulsion is calculated by modeling the thrust during pulsejet, ramjet and rocket flight modes, and the launch cost is estimated. The results show that the pulse laser powered launcher can transfer 0.085kg payload per 1MW beam power to a geosynchronous orbit, and the cost becomes quarter of existing systems if one can divide a single launch into 22,500 multiple launches.