This book gives an in-depth analysis of the physical phenomena of thrust production by laser radiation, as well as laser propulsion engines, and laser-propelled vehicles. It brings together into a unified context accumulated up-to-date information on laser propulsion research, considering propulsion phenomena, laser propulsion techniques, design of vehicles with laser propulsion engines, and high-power laser systems to provide movement for space vehicles. In particular, the reader will find detailed coverage of: designs of laser propulsion engines, operating as both air-breathing and ramjet engines to launch vehicles into LEOs; Assembly of vehicles whereby laser power from a remote laser is collected and directed into a propulsion engine; and, the laser-adaptive systems that control a laser beam to propel vehicles into orbits by delivering laser power through the Earth's atmosphere. This book is essential reading for researchers and professionals involved in laser propulsion.

Provides step-by-step descriptions of the physical processes involved in the production of laser propulsion Presents designs of laser production engines operating in both the continuous and pulse modes of thrust production Describes integrated structures of space vehicles with laser propulsion

Autorentext

Yu. A. Rezunkov is a leading scientist of the Scientific Research Institute for Optoelectronic Instrument Engineering (NII OEP JSC) in Sosnovy Bor (Russia). He graduated from Leningrad Polytechnic Institute (now Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University) with a diploma in aerodynamics and thermodynamics in 1974. In 1977 he earned a PhD degree and joined NII OEP JSC. Yu. A. Rezunkov has published a number of papers on various scientific subjects, including propagation of high-power laser radiation in the Earth's atmosphere, development of laser lightning protection systems, phase conjugation techniques to compensate for the laser beam wavefront distortions as well as development of the high-peak power picosecond CO2 lasers. Special attention in his papers has been paid to the development of the laser propulsion theory and applied techniques. The laser ablation propulsion based on the CHO-polymers was the subject of his Doctor of Science thesis, successfully defended in 2006.

Inhalt
Chapter1: A Brief History of Laser Propulsion.- Chapter2: Basic Gas-dynamic Theories of the Laser Air-breathing and Rocket Propulsion.- Chapter3: Laser Ablation of Solid Materials, Laser-ablation Propulsion.- Chapter4: Aerospace Laser Propulsion Engine.- Chapter5: Supersonic Laser Propulsion.- Chapter6: Space Mini-vehicles with Laser Propulsion.- Chapter7: Laser Power Transfer to Space Vehicles with Laser Propulsion.