Existing Concepts and Review of Experimental Studies of a Laser Rocket Engine

Abstract

Currently, there is a problem of making engines for the exploration of near space, and one of the solutions to this problem is the use of a laser rocket engine. This type of engine has a number of advantages and, as calculations have shown, it is economically profitable during active operation, which is very important for space systems. The principle of operation of a laser rocket engine allows it to be used not only as a power plant and a system for launching spacecraft, but also as a system for the destruction of space debris, the problem of which is becoming more and more urgent every day. The paper shows the results of a review of domestic and foreign works on the history of creation and the concept of application of currently existing samples of laser rocket engines, on experimental data obtained by measuring the specific impulse and thrust, measurement methods, and describes the principle of operation and basic physical processes occurring in laser rocket engines