Numerical Simulation of a 1 kW-Class CW Laser Thruster

Abstract

Numerical analyses were performed to clarify the power conversion mechanisms in a 1 kW-class continuous-wave laser thruster. Laser plasma heating and radiation emission from the plasma, which dominate in the power conversion balance, were the focus of this analysis. The calculation results show that low laser power absorption and large radiation loss from the plasma result in low thruster performance. The results also show that optimization of the nozzle shape and use of regenerative-cooling can substantially improve thruster performance.