Laser Propulsion Technology on “KKS-1” Microsatellite

Nakano, Masahiro; Ishikawa, Tomohiro; Wakabayashi, Ryoji

doi:10.2184/lsj.39.34

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…174,175 A microthrusters that uses light to ablate a solid target is currently being developed. 176 There are several benefits to using light for propellant acceleration. One of the major advantages lies in the ability to physically disconnect spacecraft and power generation unit.…”

Section: New Paradigmsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perspectives, frontiers, and new horizons for plasma-based space electric propulsion

et al. 2020

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There are a number of pressing problems mankind is facing today that could, at least in part, be resolved by space systems. They include capabilities for fast and far-reaching telecommunication, surveying of resources and climate, and sustaining global information networks, to name but a few. Not surprisingly, increasing efforts are now devoted to building a strong near-Earth satellite infrastructure, with plans to extend the sphere of active life to orbital space and later, to the Moon and Mars if not further. This demands novel and more efficient means of propulsion. At present not only heavy launch systems are still based on thermodynamic principles but satellites and spacecraft still rely on gasbased thrusters or chemical engines to move. Similarly to other transportation systems where electrical platforms expand rapidly, space propulsion technologies are also experiencing a shift towards electric thrusters which do not feature limitations intrinsic to thermodynamic systems. Most important, electric and plasma thrusters promise virtually any impulse ultimately limited by the light speed. Not surprisingly, consolidated efforts in this field could be seen, and all-electric space systems are becoming closer to reality. In this paper we briefly outline the most recent successes in the development of plasma-based space propulsion systems, and present our view on future trends, possibilities and challenges.

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Section: New Paradigmsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perspectives, frontiers, and new horizons for plasma-based space electric propulsion

et al. 2020

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“…As mentioned above, the photonic thrust system could be designed to use laser radiation from a ground or space-based power station, as well as on-board power unit for the light-driven acceleration of a solid or liquid propellant 49,54 . Importantly, application of the light-ablating microtrusters in spacecraft are already under development 2 . Notable advantages of this approach include possible external generation of power, i.e.…”

Section: Physical Mechanisms Of Thrust Generation By Lightmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The thruster installed on KKS-1 used laser as an auxiliary system, with the main thrust for attitude control and fine modification of the orbit of this small, 3 kg satellite generated by a chemical engine. However, the next version of this satellite will employ a dual mode laser system capable of producing thrust by laser ablation 2 . It appears that application of lasers in space propulsion has begun.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Prospects and physical mechanisms for photonic space propulsion

et al. 2018

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An abundant source of energy in space, electromagnetic radiation can provide spacecraft with a gentle yet persistent thrust for interplanetary and interstellar missions. Early success of micro-laser and solar propulsion platforms confirm their potential for near-Earth and deep space exploration, although practical realization of reliable photonic devices is not trivial. Motivated by an interest in space exploration, this brief report outlines the recent achievements in this young field. We highlight several light-enabled mechanisms of thrust generation via photon-matter interactions such as photonic pressure and ablation, optical gradient forces, light-induced electron emission and others, with potential technological impact in the contexts of space propulsion. Finally, we outline some of the key challenges and possible solutions for practical applications of these mechanisms, and propose a classification and guiding principles for future development of the field of photonic propulsion.

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“…On 23 January 2009, Japan simultaneously launched seven satellites, one of which, named KKS-1, is equipped with a laser micro-thruster [16]. The satellite has a weight of 3.1 kg and a volume of 1.5 U.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of a Laser Micro-Thruster and On-Orbit Testing

Ye,

Wang,

Chang

et al. 2023

Aerospace

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Laser micro-thrust technology is a type of propulsion that uses a laser beam to ablate a propellant such as a metal or plastic. The ablated material is expelled out the back of the spacecraft, generating thrust. The technology has the advantages of high control precision, high thrust–power ratios, and excellent performances, and it has played an important role in the field of micro-propulsion. In this study, a solid propellant laser micro-thruster was developed and then applied for the attitude control of satellites during on-orbit tests. The micro-thruster had a volume of 0.5 U, a weight of 440 g, and a thrust range of 10 μN–0.6 mN. The propellant, 87% glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) + 10% ammonium perchlorate (AP) + 3% carbon nano-powder, was supplied via a double-layer belt, and the average power was less than 10 W. We present the development of the laser micro-thruster, as well as the results regarding the thruster propulsion performance. The thruster was launched into orbit on 27 February 2022 with the Chuangxin Leishen Satellite developed by Spacety. The on-orbit test of the thruster for satellite attitude control was carried out. The thruster was successfully fired in space and played an obvious role in the attitude control of the satellite. The experimental results show that the thrust is about 315 μN.

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Laser Propulsion Technology on “KKS-1” Microsatellite

Cited by 5 publications

References 22 publications

Perspectives, frontiers, and new horizons for plasma-based space electric propulsion

Perspectives, frontiers, and new horizons for plasma-based space electric propulsion

Prospects and physical mechanisms for photonic space propulsion

Development of a Laser Micro-Thruster and On-Orbit Testing

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