Actualization of an efficient throttleable laser propulsion mode

Haonan Zhang, Buren Duan, Lizhi Wu, Zuohao Hua, Zijing Bao, Ning Guo, Yinghua Ye, Luciano Galfetti, Luigi T. DeLuca and Ruiqi Shen

Energy, 2021, vol. 221, issue C

Abstract: Conventional propulsion systems are difficult to change between propelling and non-propelling modes. Throttleable propulsion that results from the control of the input energy is a significant further step toward application in various space missions. We present our work on a novel propulsion mode producing throttleable thrust under the control of our low power CW laser. This photosensitive propellant is fully capable of repeated ignition and interruption, while generating gases that are more environmentally friendly with decreased solid residues. Laser ignition and combustion performance of such modes are characterized. Laser-controlled combustion behavior examples are shown and discussed. These results show potential applications in many aspects of space missions, such as maneuvers in space, attitude control, orbit raising and microsatellite deorbiting.

Keywords: Ignition; Extinction; Controllable combustion; Laser propulsion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:221:y:2021:i:c:s0360544221001195

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.119870

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