Review of laser ablation propulsion

Abstract

Laser propulsion has the advantage of acting at the speed of light over great distances. The practical concept originated with Arthur Kantrowitz of AVCO Everett Research Laboratories back in 1972. I will review two quite different types of LP in this talk: LAP (laser ablation propulsion) and PPP (photon pressure propulsion). The first one is good for traveling within our solar system, while the second is the only way we (or at least an instrument) will get far out of our region in the universe to gain a clear perspective on where we are. I will give several examples of practical applications for each. The full realization of PPP depends on the development of a fusion energy economy, in order to get the GW or PW in CW laser power required for best performance. LAP is available now using repetitive pulse lasers with 100ps pulses.