Scientists have created a conceptual model of a laser-thermal propulsion system. In the future, this technology will provide both high thrust and specific impulse for interstellar missions. They presented the research results at the 2024 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exhibition and in a paper, published on the AIAA SCITECH 2024 website.
Scientists were inspired by interstellar projects such as Starshot and Project Dragonfly when creating LTP. The concept is similar to the nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) that NASA and DARPA are developing for rapid transit missions to Mars. In an NTP system, the nuclear reactor generates heat, which causes expansion of the hydrogen or deuterium fuel. It is then focused through nozzles to create thrust.
During the experiment, scientists constructed a device containing from 5 to 20 bar of static argon. They wanted to test how the laser would couple energy to the fuel (in the future, hydrogen, but for now the researchers used argon, which is easier to ionize). They then fired a 3 kW pulsed laser at 1070 nanometers (which corresponds to a near-infrared wavelength). The goal is to determine the threshold power required for laser-assisted plasma (LSP). The results of the experiment showed that about 80% of the laser energy was transferred into the plasma, which is consistent with previous studies.
The pressure and spectrum data obtained also revealed the peak temperature of the LSP with the working gas. Although scientists emphasize that further research is needed for definitive results. Also, other LSP tests require special apparatus. Finally, the team plans to conduct thrust measurements later this year to estimate what acceleration (delta-v) and specific impulse (Isp) the laser-thermal propulsion system will provide for future missions to Mars and other solar system planets.
If the technology is up to the task, astronauts could get to Mars in weeks rather than months. Other projects selected by NASA’s Institute for Advanced Concepts for research this year include tests to evaluate hibernation systems for long-duration missions in microgravity.
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On the cover: an artist’s impression of a directed energy laser sail in action. Photo: C. Zhang/deepspace.ucsb.edu
2024-02-17 10:24:45
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