Positioning of space objects by laser-induced jets

E Y Loktionov and D S Sitnikov

Laser-induced thrust provides a number of significant advantages over the currently used methods: virtually any material can be used as a working medium; radiation source and its power unit can be located outside the spacecraft; it is possible to provide a minimum impulse bit of 1 nN s or less; momentum imparted at single impact can be controlled within 2 orders of magnitude dynamic range. We have considered recoil momentum generation at femtosecond to continuous laser impact range on different materials normalized by laser output performance to evaluate momentum coupling to on-board energy system. It is shown that better momentum coupling at short wavelength is not worth of associated energy losses, but laser pulse shortening to picosecond range is. Data reported here on laser thrust generation efficiency and methods of laser impact layout are of interest not for small spacecraft application range broadening only, but also for the prevention of emergency situations development (launch to unplanned orbit, uncontrolled rotation, etc.), space debris removal, and anti-asteroid protection of the Earth – possible impact layouts for such missions are considered.

DOI