Low-Power Laser Sailing for Fast-Transit Space Flight.

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Applied Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Current space mission propulsion technologies limit scientific advancement and economic potential.
• Advanced propulsion is crucial for expanding Earth's orbital capabilities and solar system exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate laser-driven light sailing as a viable propulsion method for space missions.
• To determine the feasibility of laser propulsion for agile Earth orbital maneuvering and fast solar system/interstellar exploration.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of laser propulsion practicality based on power and array size requirements.
• Evaluation of lightweight, wafer-scale spacecraft for laser-driven propulsion.
• Discussion of material requirements and photonic designs for light sails.

Main Results:

• Laser propulsion is practical with laser powers ≥100 kW and array sizes of ∼1 m, achievable in the near term.
• Lightweight (1-100 g) wafer-scale spacecraft can be propelled to orbits beyond current system reach.
• Silicon nitride and boron nitride show suitability for light sail applications.

Conclusions:

• Laser-driven light sailing presents a pathway to ubiquitous Earth orbital networks.
• This technology enables fast-transit, low-cost missions across the solar system and beyond.
• The proposed architecture supports advanced space exploration and scientific discovery.