LASER ablation propulsion (LAP) is a major new electric concept with 35-year history. In LAP, an intense laser beam [pulsed or continuous wave (CW)] strikes condensedmatter surface (solid liquid) and produces jet of vapor plasma. Just as in chemical rocket, thrust produced by the resulting reaction force on surface. Spacecraft other objects can be propelled this way. some circumstances, there are advantages for technique compared schemes. It difficult to make performance metric because...

Studies show that the number of debris in low Earth orbit is exponentially growing despite future release mitigation measures considered. Specifically, already existing population small and medium (between 1 cm several dozens cm) today a concrete threat to operational satellites. A ground-based laser solution which can remove, at expense nondestructive way, hazardous around selected space assets appears as highly promising answer. This studied within framework CLEANSPACE project part FP7...

Most research funders have requirements for data management plans and open to foster good practices. In order embed these practices in the postgraduate (PGR) student journey we introduced requirement a plan as part of first-year progress review encouragement make underpinning theses publicly available. To support students through processes provide suite training workshops are available one-to-one consultations. User feedback frequently asked questions used improve our offering. This brief...

While the feasibility of laser space debris removal by high energy lasers has been shown in concept studies and laboratory proofs principle, we address question effectiveness responsibility associated with this technique. The large variety shapes poses a challenge for predicting amount direction impulse imparted to target. We present numerical code that considers variation fluence throughout target surface respect resulting local momentum coupling. Simple targets as well an example realistic...

Abstract Walking along a beach one may notice debris being washed ashore from the vast oceans. Then, turning your head up at night you even might noticed shooting star or bright spot passing by. Chances are, that witnessed space debris, endangering future flight in lower earth orbit. If it was possible to turn cm-sized into stars problem be averted. Unfortunately, these fragments counting 100 thousands are not controllable. To possibly regain control we demonstrate how exert forces on free...

The impulse coupling coefficients of two radically different laser propulsion thruster concepts (lightcrafts), each 10 cm in diameter, have been measured under equal conditions using pendulum test stands. One stand and one lightcraft toroidal shape were provided by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. other a bell shaped (i.e. paraboloid) those German Aerospace Center (DLR). All experiments employed DLR electron-beam sustained, pulsed CO<SUB>2</SUB> with pulse energies up to 400 J. was...

Small space debris objects of even a few centimeters can cause severe damage to satellites. Powerful lasers are often proposed for pushing small by laser-ablative recoil toward an orbit where atmospheric burn-up yields their remediation. We analyze whether momentum generation is safe and reliable concerning predictability accumulation heat at the target. With hydrodynamic simulations on laser ablation aluminum as prevalent material, we study parameter dependencies thermomechanical coupling....

Flight experiments with laser‐propelled vehicles (lightcrafts) are often performed by wire‐guidance or spin‐stabilization. Nevertheless, the specific geometry of lightcraft's optics and nozzle may provide for inherent beam‐riding properties. These features experimentally investigated in a hovering experiment at small free flight test range an electron‐beam sustained pulsed CO2 high energy laser. Laser bursts adapted real‐time control to lightcraft mass impulse coupling ascent quasi...

Studies show that the number of debris in Low Earth Orbit is exponentially growing despite future release mitigation measures considered. Especially, already existing population small and medium (between 1 cm several dozens cm) today a concrete threat to operational satellites. A ground based laser solution which can remove at low expense non‐destructive way hazardous decimetric size around selected space assets appears as one highly promising answer. This will be studied frame CLEANSPACE...

Aiming for the generation of high-precision thrust in µN range, focused high-intensity laser pulses are used employing recoil jet ablated material. Whereas a single pulse yields an extremely low impulse bit range several nNs, broad can be accessed by variation repetition rate up to hundreds kilohertz. A detailed parameter study is carried out aluminum and gold as propellant varying length from 100 fs 10 ns fluence 0.09 23.8 J/cm2. Two different regimes thruster operation with respect...

Various measurement techniques have been used throughout the over 40‐year history of laser propulsion. Often, these approaches suffered from inconsistencies in definitions key parameters that define physics ablation impulse generation. Such include, but are not limited to pulse energy, spot area, imparted impulse, and ablated mass. The limits characteristics common each areas will be explored as they relate idea establishing some standardization system for propulsion data is introduced this...

The impulse coupling characteristics of a parabolic laser-driven thruster (‘lightcraft’) are investigated in free flight experiments using pulsed CO2 high energy laser. analysis 3D speed recordings reveals lateral force components as well angular momentum re-orientating the lightcraft towards laser beam case slight misalignment. Beam-riding properties examined with respect to initial offset at launch position. results compared model data derived from raytracing intensity distribution on...

In research on beamed energy propulsion, the momentum coupling coefficient cm is a central figure of merit to characterize propulsion system. The determination based measurement imparted impulse and laser pulse energy. Nevertheless, knowledge length, spot area ablated mass great importance for comparability experimental results in ablative propulsion. use variety techniques these parameters throughout scientific community implies risk misunderstandings might impede results. this paper, we...

High efficient wireless electric energy transmission (WET) technology between spacecrafts by laser channel is proposed. WET systems could be used for remote power supplying of different consumers in space. First all, there are autonomous modules microgravity experiments, micro and nano satellites, equipment explorations planetary surfaces, space transport vehicles with rocket propulsion systems. The main components the consist radiation sources on base semiconductor IR diodes; narrow beam...

A laser‐based rangefinder with high temporal resolution, synchronized a laser burst, is employed for fast on‐site analysis of pulsed free flights. Additional speed recordings from two different angles view allow full 3D‐reconstruction the trajectory and calibration data. This reveals whole dynamics flyer including lateral angular impulse coupling components as well information on detonation process. The employment an ignition pin enhances reproducibility momentum due to more reliable plasma...

An experimental environment has been developed for free flight experiments with a parabolic lightcraft in laboratory scale. electron beam sustained CO2 laser is employed as source energy beaming 10.6 μm wavelength, ∼10 μs pulse duration, energies up to 200 J and repetition rates 40 Hz. The range of 1.7 meters enables monitor several subsequent pulses one well as, the case Delrin (POM) propellant, single large momentum transfer. impulse coupling derived from trajectories analyzed respect...

The familiar Bouguer‐Lambert‐Beer absorption law, often called Beer's is an essential component of many laser ablation propulsion models. However, its treatment in non‐planar conditions requires a consideration irradiation geometry. Forms the law are derived for cylindrical and spherical normal incidence geometries, conical nozzles with flat targets. results indicate that use concentrating nozzle optic transparent target could provide increased impulse generation propulsion. This improvement...

Orbital debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) are now sufficiently dense that the use of space is threatened by runaway collision cascading. A problem predicted more than thirty years ago, threat from larger about 1cm a reality we ignore at our peril. The least costly, and most comprehensive, solution Laser Debris Removal (LODR). In this approach, high power pulsed laser on creates laser‐ablation jet object's surface which provides small impulse required to cause it re‐enter burn up atmosphere....

Propulsion within the lightcraft concept is produced via laser induced detonation of an incoming hypersonic air stream. This process requires suitable engine configurations that offer good performance over all flight speeds and angles attack to ensure required thrust maintained. Stream traced inlets have demonstrated in conventional hydrocarbon fuelled scramjet engines, has been applied powered vehicle. paper will outline current methodology employed inlet design, with a particular focus on...

A shock wave driven by millimeter ionization can be applied into a pulsed detonation engine as Microwave Rocket. high pressure induced inside the thruster generates thrust, thus propagation plasma is important. In this study, to obtain different propagating structure, beam profile was transformed from Gaussian Ring and Flat‐top using pair of phase correcting mirrors. As result, shape changed no‐center in case beam, it wider beam. The velocity front much lower than that due peak power...

Ablating surfaces with a pulsed laser system in milling processes often leads to surface changes depending on the depth. Especially if constant roughness and evenness is essential process, structural degradation may advance until process fails. The investigated generation of precise thrust by ablation. Here, it predict or rather control evolution roughness. Laser ablative short pulse vacuum (≈1 Pa) were performed over depths several 10 µm documenting unevenness white light interference...