Photonic Laser Thruster: 100 Times Scaling-Up and Propulsion Demonstration

The Photonic Laser Thruster (PLT) efficiently uses photons as propellant and thus promises to enable innovative space endeavors beyond the reach of propellant-based conventional thrusters. Previously, the proof-of-principle demonstration of PLT used a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) rod gain medium and resulted in the maximum thrust of 35 FN. This Paper reports 100 times scaling up of PLT using a ytterbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Yb:YAG) thin-disk gain medium and thought first demonstration of propelling and stopping a 0.75 kg mock cube satellite over 2 m in a Class-1000 cleanroom. A thrust stand for PLT was established with a radiation pressure sensor that reduced the thermal convection effect and the configuration complexity. The maximum achieved thrust and specific thrust were 3.36 +/- 0.18 mN and 7.1 +/- 0.6 mN/k W, respectively. Further development of PLT using existing high-power laser technologies is projected to increase its specific thrust to 68 +/- 10 mN/k W, on a par with electric thrusters. The present results conclude that innovative PLT applications, such as propellant-free orbit maneuvering and stationkeeping, are within the reach of existing spacecraft and high-power laser technologies. In addition, the feasibility of PLT-based launchers and landers is discussed.