Review: Laser-Ablation Propulsion

Abstract

LASER ablation propulsion (LAP) is a major new electric propulsion concept with a 35-year history. In LAP, an intense
\nlaser beam [pulsed or continuous wave (CW)] strikes a condensedmatter surface (solid or liquid) and produces a jet of vapor or plasma.
\nJust as in a chemical rocket, thrust is produced by the resulting reaction force on the surface. Spacecraft and other objects can be propelled in this way. In some circumstances, there are advantages for this technique compared with other chemical and electric propulsion schemes. It is difficult to make a performance metric for LAP, because only a few of its applications are beyond the research phase and because it can be applied in widely different circumstances that would require entirely different metrics. These applications range from milliwatt-average-power satellite attitude-correction
\nthrusters through kilowatt-average-power systems for reentering near-Earth space debris and megawatt-to-gigawatt systems for direct launch to lowEarth orbit (LEO). 
\nWe assume an electric laser rather than a gas-dynamic or
\nchemical laser driving the ablation, to emphasize the performance as an electric thruster. How is it possible for moderate laser electrical efficiency to givevery high electrical efficiency? Because laser energy can be used to drive an exothermic reaction in the target material controlled by the laser input, and electrical efficiency only measures the ratio of exhaust power to electrical power. This distinction may
\nseem artificial, but electrical efficiency is a key parameter for space applications, in which electrical power is at a premium.
\nThe laser system involved in LAP may be remote from the
\npropelled object (on another spacecraft or planet-based), for
\nexample, in laser-induced space-debris reentry or payload launch to low planetary orbit. In other applications (e.g., the laser–plasma microthruster that we will describe), a lightweight laser is part of the propulsion engine onboard the spacecraft.