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Is laser space propulsion practical?: review.

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    Laser space propulsion (LASP) faces practical limits including thermal damage and reduced efficiency with repeated pulses. New data on impulse coupling for LASP materials suggests feasibility requires careful consideration of these factors.

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    Area of Science:

    • Space propulsion
    • Laser-matter interaction
    • Materials science

    Background:

    • Laser space propulsion (LASP) and space debris removal concepts rely on repetitive laser pulses.
    • Previous assessments of LASP practicality were limited by insufficient data on multipulse laser impulse coupling.
    • Key limitations include thermal coupling to the payload, decreased mechanical coupling over time, and debris generation from solar panel destruction.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review practical limitations of laser space propulsion.
    • To assess the feasibility of LASP using new multipulse vacuum laser impulse coupling data.
    • To compare single-pulse and multipulse coupling coefficients for relevant materials.

    Main Methods:

    • Reviewed literature on practical limitations of LASP.
    • Analyzed new data on multipulse vacuum laser impulse coupling coefficient (Cm).
    • Investigated materials including aluminum, polyoxymethylene (POM), and Al/POM mixtures using 6 and 70 ps pulses at various wavelengths (1064, 1030, 532 nm).

    Main Results:

    • New data allows for direct comparison of single and multipulse coupling on LASP materials and space debris constituents.
    • Thermal and mechanical coupling effects of repetitive pulses are critical for LASP and debris removal.
    • Evaluated materials include 6061T6 aluminum, various POM types, and Al/POM composites.

    Conclusions:

    • The practicality of LASP is re-evaluated based on new multipulse coupling data.
    • Understanding repetitive pulse mechanical and thermal coupling is crucial for successful LASP.
    • The study provides insights into the viability of laser-based space propulsion and debris removal technologies.