Under the joint research with Osaka University and Laser
General Research Institute (Foundation), National Aerospace Laboratory
(NAL) of Science and Technology Agency (STA) developed an engine using
high-power laser to be used for orbital tramsfer of artificial satellites,
and succeeded in its ground model-experiment for the first time in the
world. The "laser engine" uses water or carbon as fuel, irradiates the
fuel with high-power laser to make it into a plasmatic condition with
ultrahigh temperature and obtains the propelling power of the engine.
In the present experiment, the test part was incorporated into a vacuum
container to simulate the space environment, and the fuel (carbon) was
irradiated with laser and made into a plasmatic condition. When pulse
laser with the peak power of 100 MW was emitted through the nozzle of
about 3 cm in diameter, propelling power of about 2 milli-newtons was
obtained.
Since the laser engine can obtain great propelling power in proportion
to the increase of supplied energy quantity of laser, orbital transfer
of a satellite can be achieved within an extremely short time in comparison
with the electrically propelled engine. Also in comparison with the
liquid rocket engine using very-low-temperature fuel, total weight of
the laser engine including the weight of water or carbon, a tank and
thermal insulation becomes lighter, and a drastic reduction of its launching
cost can be expected.
(For further information, please contact the Rocket Propulsion Division,
Kakuda Research Center, NAL, STA: phone 0224-68-3643)
(Source:STA TODAY December 1999) |
