Air Force Office of Scientific Research Workshop on Laser Propulsion Held in Washington, D.C. on 8-10 February 1988

Abstract : Laser Propulsion consists of using energy from a remotely located laser to heat a low molecular weight gas to extremely high temperatures then expand the gas through a nozzle to provide thrust. Because of the potential for significantly higher specific impulse than chemical propulsion and adequate thrust to provide reasonable transit times, laser propulsion can be considered for a wide range of mission applications. This report is an overview of the status of Continuous Laser Propulsion and is based on the AFOSR Laser Propulsion Workshop held at the University of Illinois on 8-10 February 1988. Laser propulsion.