Laser propulsion: a review

Abstract

Early proposals for laser propulsion were surveyed. Propulsion theory and laboratory momentum coupling experiments demonstrate how it is possible to choose the target material so as to optimize payload efficiency, with a possible order-of-magnitude reduction in launch costs. American, German and Japanese experimental ‘lightcraft’ are described as well as the Orion programme to de-orbit space debris. Marx’s seminal paper on laser-driven, relativistic space propulsion and the ensuing controversy was also discussed.