Space Sustainability by Laser Propulsion - DLR Research from Launch to Post-Mission Disposal

Abstract

An overview is given on laser propulsion studies carried in the recent decades at the Institute of Technical Physics at DLR in Stuttgart. Laser-based propulsion concepts for spacecraft range from laser-ablation micropropulsion via remotely powered orbital transfer for, e.g., post-mission disposal up to launch concepts for picosatellites powered from a ground-based high energy laser. These concepts offer great benefits in terms of space sustainability by choosing non-toxic propellants and, in the case of remotely powered propulsion, even dramatically reducing the amount of required propellant by orders of magnitude. In addition to that, the related laser technology can be employed for risk mitigation in and protection of the orbital environment by space debris collision avoidance and de-orbiting from the Low Earth Orbit. In conclusion, research and development should focus on propulsion-specific high-power lasers as a backbone for these promising space applications.