Feasibility Study on Laser Launch System Using 100 kW Fiber Laser and Future Mass Transportation System

Abstract

  Laser propulsion is a space transportation system that obtains thrust with a laser beam transmitted from the ground as an energy source. In this study, two types of laser propulsion, whose heating systems are laser plasma (LSP) type and heat exchange (PHX) type, were evaluated for launch performance to a circular orbit of 500 km altitude. Assuming a 100 kW laser which is commercially available, it is possible to launch up to 0.126 kg of payload by the two-stage LSP type, though two laser stations were required considering the viewing angle. When a cold gas jet is used out of range of the first laser, the payload was decreased to 0.077 kg. On the other hand, it was found that PHX type cannot be introduced into the orbit by the single-stage. However, a payload of 0.099 kg can be launched by the two-stage launch. For the future high power laser of 1 GW, the payload by the two-stage with the cold gas jet was found to be 881 kg for the LSP type and 972 kg for the PHX type, respectively.