학술논문

Laser-driven micro-rocket.
Document Type
Article
Source
Applied Physics A: Materials Science & Processing. 2003, Vol. 77 Issue 2, p193. 9p.
Subject
*LASERS
*ROCKETS (Aeronautics)
Language
ISSN
0947-8396
Abstract
We have developed a new type of miniature rocket motor for pointing and positioning microsatellites. A specially prepared tape with a transparent layer, through which the laser light passes, and an absorbing layer produce the thrust by the laser ablation process. We have achieved a specific impulse of 1800 s (greater than possible with chemistry), and laser momentum coupling coefficients of up to 50 dyn/W. The preprototype achieved 68 dyn of thrust. We discuss the target interaction physics and some of our measurements with the preprototype thruster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]