JASON laser propulsion study, summer 1977
Abstract
Laser propulsion is an idea that may produce a revolution in space technology. A single laser facility on the ground can in theory launch single-stage vehicles into low or high earth orbit. The payload can be 20% or 30% of the vehicle take-off weight. It is far more economical in the use of mass and energy than chemical propulsion, and it is far more flexible in putting identical vehicles into a variety of orbits.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- December 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977STIN...7818412D
- Keywords:
-
- Earth Orbits;
- Laser Applications;
- Single Stage Rocket Vehicles;
- Spacecraft Propulsion;
- Aerospace Technology Transfer;
- Launch Vehicles;
- Payloads;
- Rocket Propellants;
- Lasers and Masers