Beamed Energy Propulsion, Seventh International Symposium

Abstract

Beamed Energy Propulsion (BEP) is a revolutionary technology for future space transportation. Typically, BEP vehicles are driven by power that can be beamed from a remote, reusable, and long-range source. Due to the limited availability of high power long-range sources, propulsion concepts based on onboard radiation sources have become more and more important. Although the majority of modern BEP techniques are based on lasers, the scope of ISBEP also covers other forms of directed energy, such as microwave and x-ray radiation. In combination with a multitude of propulsive mechanisms such as blast waves, ablation, photon pressure, vaporization, photodesorption, and alike, BEP stays on a forefront of modern physics and engineering. Beamed Energy Propulsion offers unique propulsive characteristics which are superior to traditional thrusters. Vehicles driven by BEP will be smaller, lighter, faster, and more efficient than any currently existing means of space transportation. In addition, BEP offers new and often unique technical solutions which are unattainable by traditional means of propulsion. Here I would like to mention the lack of appropriate highly precise thrusters for attitude and orbit control of scientific satellite missions or formation flight scenarios and the increasing problem of space debris. Both are challenging problems of current interest. BEP technologies, like laser ablative micro propulsion and laser based debris removal, are the most promising efforts to tackle these challenges in the future.