laser-propelled spacecraft?

[GooeyGus]

I saw a program last night which talked about this thing, so I looked it up on youtube to share with you guys.

It's kinda neat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAdj6vpYppA


Any idea what kind of laser is driving it?

[frothychimp]

Well the video camera could see the reflected light when they pulsed it against the graphite block so it's probably an Nd:Glass. It would be visible by the camera at the kind of power densities it needs to ionize air (1054nm or 1062nm.) Nd:Glass allows very large gain media to be created such as 4-6" in diameter in this case and several feet long. This would create huge amounts of power.

[mixedgas]

Well the video camera could see the reflected light when they pulsed it against the graphite block so it's probably an Nd:Glass. It would be visible by the camera at the kind of power densities it needs to ionize air (1054nm or 1062nm.) Nd:Glass allows very large gain media to be created such as 4-6" in diameter in this case and several feet long. This would create huge amounts of power.

10 KW co2 according to the web site. But I agree ND:GLASS would be a possible choice.

Pulsed Laser Vulnerability Test System Co2 by Avco Textron for the US army

http://www.satellite-sightseer.com/id/8416

steve

[Xytrell]

I'm missing the part where a 10kW laser is cheaper than a slice of rocket fuel.

[Laserman532]

isnt it going to be a problem getting all of those trailers, support equipment and control rooms on the rocket?

[Zoof]

45 feet, hardly a spacecraft ;-)

[Laserman532]

45 feet, hardly a spacecraft ;-)

if you already start in space it is

[Diachi]

if you already start in space it is

But then the whole idea doesn't work since there is no atmosphere to break down and propel the spacecraft forward.

[mixedgas]

But then the whole idea doesn't work since there is no atmosphere to break down and propel the spacecraft forward.

Didnt you read the part about the helium puffers?

Steve

[Diachi]

No, I must have missed that part