Michaelis, MMForbes, A2007-07-232007-07-232006-07Michaelis, MM and Forbes, A. 2006. Laser propulsion: a review. South African Journal of Science, vol. 102(7/8), pp 289-2950038-2353http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1014Copyright: 2006 Academy of Science of South AfricaEarly 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.enLaser propulsionLightcraftPhotonic propulsionSpacecraftLaser propulsion: a reviewArticleMichaelis, M., & Forbes, A. (2006). Laser propulsion: a review. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1014Michaelis, MM, and A Forbes "Laser propulsion: a review." (2006) http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1014Michaelis M, Forbes A. Laser propulsion: a review. 2006; http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1014.TY - Article AU - Michaelis, MM AU - Forbes, A AB - 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. DA - 2006-07 DB - ResearchSpace DP - CSIR KW - Laser propulsion KW - Lightcraft KW - Photonic propulsion KW - Spacecraft LK - https://researchspace.csir.co.za PY - 2006 SM - 0038-2353 T1 - Laser propulsion: a review TI - Laser propulsion: a review UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1014 ER -