Thrust Performance of Microwave Rocket Under Repetitive-Pulse Operation

Oda, Y.; Shibata, Teppei; Komurasaki, Kimiya; Takahashi, Koji; Kasugai, Atsushi; Sakamoto, K.

doi:10.2514/1.37623

Cited by 42 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Although the model rocket mass was only 9.5 g, a model rocket was launched to 2 m. We confirmed the thrust generation [6]. In 2009, continuous thrust generation was obtained under multi-pulse operation [7] in a ground test. Subsequently, launch experiments were conducted under multi-pulse operations ( Fig.…”

Section: Launch Experimentssupporting

confidence: 58%

Rocket Propulsion Powered Using a Gyrotron

Fukunari¹,

Komurasaki²,

Nakamura³

et al. 2017

JEPE

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This paper presents a review of a beamed energy propulsion rocket, the Microwave Rocket, which produces propulsive thrust from millimeter-wave beams transferred from the ground. The thrust is generated through millimeter-wave discharge driven in a cylindrical thruster. As a high-power millimeter-wave generator, a Gyrotron is promising as the beam source. The salient benefit of Microwave Rockets is the resultant drastic cost reduction of mass transportation into space. We have already conducted launch experiments and have achieved continuous thrust generation under multi-pulse operation. Recently, a long-distance beam transfer system has been developed. Ignition tests have been conducted. The physics of the millimeter-wave discharge remain unclear. Additional studies using experimentation and calculations must be conducted to optimize the thrust generation.

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Section: Launch Experimentssupporting

confidence: 58%

Rocket Propulsion Powered Using a Gyrotron

Fukunari¹,

Komurasaki²,

Nakamura³

et al. 2017

JEPE

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“…The Microwave Rocket is a propulsion system that obtains propulsive energy from a millimeter-wave beam instead of an onboard energy source. The Microwave Rocket is expected to enable the development of a low-cost space launch system [6,7]. In this study, the one-dimensional structure of the shock wave induced by the millimeterwave breakdown on the straight beam was observed using the shadow graph method for the first time.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

A One-Dimensional Propagation of Shock Wave Supported by Atmospheric Millimeter-Wave Plasma

Oda

Yamaguchi

Shiraishi

et al. 2011

J Infrared Milli Terahz Waves

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A shock wave supported by an atmospheric breakdown plasma caused by a highpower millimeter-wave beam was studied. The shadow graph image in a shock tube visualized the one-dimensional shock-wave generated by the millimeter-wave breakdown in atmosphere for the first time. It was revealed that a normal shock wave propagated through the tube at the constant velocity while it was detached from the ionization front of the plasma whenever the propagation velocity of the ionization front was supersonic or subsonic. And it was visually clarified that the atmospheric millimeter-wave breakdown had the combined structure of the normal shock wave and the heating region of the millimeter-wave plasma. The measured pressure of the shock front was as equal as the normal shock which propagated at measured Mach number.

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“…There are some studies on Microwave Rocket such as demonstrative launch of a small model [3], theoretical approach of thrust generation model by atmospheric breakdown caused by millimeter wave [4,5], analysis of launch scenario from ground to the orbit [6], and etc. These studies presented the possible requirement of the thrust performance, the momentum coupling coefficient from microwave power to thrust should be 100-500 N/MW.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%