Propulsion for Spacecrafts using on- board Laser Reflection and Absorption

Abstract

In this paper, a new laser-based, on-board propulsion system has been produced. This system utilizes Laser reflection and absorption to obtain a net momentum. The proposed system is also unique in the sense that no on-board propellant is required. Further, the power consumed can be ideally recycled 100%. This makes it a viable mode of propulsion for long distance trips to planets or solar systems. Further, it has been calculated that depending upon the lasers used, this system can propel a 4000kg spacecraft with an acceleration of 100-10000 ms-2 . This means, a 4000kg mass can be propelled to one-third the speed of light in just 5*104 seconds, or 13.8 hours roughly. This is a big jump from current technology, which cannot achieve sub-luminal speeds, that too so quickly. This makes this system of propulsion our best bet for sub-solar system travel. Further, the setup proposed is expected to be improved.