Publication Date:
2019-07-13
Description:
The powering of aircraft with laser energy from a solar power satellite may be a promising new approach to the critical problem of the rising cost of fuel for aircraft transportation systems. The result is a nearly fuelless, pollution-free flight transportation system which is cost-competitive with the fuel-conservative airplane of the future. The major components of this flight system include a laser power satellite, relay satellites, laser-powered turbofans and a conventional airframe. The relay satellites are orbiting optical systems which intercept the beam from a power satellite and refocus and redirect the beam to its next target.
Keywords:
SPACECRAFT PROPULSION AND POWER
Type:
AIAA PAPER 79-1338
,
AIAA, SAE, and ASME, Joint Propulsion Conference; Jun 18, 1979 - Jun 20, 1979; Las Vegas, NV
Format:
text
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