Development of a Long-Distance Millimeter-wave Transmission System for a Low-cost Mas Driver: Microwave Rocket

Abstract

  Microwave Rocket is a beaming propulsion rocket that is driven by millimeter-wave beams transmitted from the ground. In this study, we developed a long-distance millimeter-wave transmission system consisting of an octagonal-shaped tapered-tube receiver and conducted thrust measurements under multi-pulse operation. In the thrust measurements, abnormal ignitions occurred around the repetition frequency of millimeter-wave irradiation around 70 Hz to 100 Hz, and the duty cycle was limited by the abnormal ignition. The maximum thrust of 3 N was obtained in the measurements.