全方位旋转分离式激光推力器概念设计

Conceptual design of laser thruster

为了更好的研究激光推进,提出了全方位360°可旋转的分离式激光推进发动机概念及其构型设计,其结构主要特点是:光学系统和推力系统彻底分离,光学系统只经过2次反射聚焦,结构简单;光学系统可以360°改变激光接收方向,以适应各种轨道条件;采用双光束、单/双发动机构型,可以降低单台激光器的功率,较平稳的实现激光器接力。对激光飞行器入轨轨道编制程序并进行数值计算。计算结果显示,为了更好的将飞行器推入近地轨道,则需采用较大冲量耦合系数的材料作为烧蚀工质,且比冲不宜过大。

The laser thruster design is one of the key issues for laser propulsion technology. A concept of omni-directional receiving dual-beam laser engine （ODLE） together with its configuration design is proposed. ODLE is noted for its features as follows. The optical system is completely separated from the thrust system. The incident laser beams are reflected into the thrust chamber by the optics only twice, so the beam energy loss is small, The optical system can be adjusted in all direction to track the incident laser beams, ensuring its wide applications in various kinds of launching trajectories. The adoption of the dual-beam single- or double-engine configuration can reduce 50% of the power requirement for each laser, and a smooth laser relay can be carried out if needed during the launching process. Launch plans into the Low Earth Orbit （LEO） with ODLE was proposed. The simulated results indicate that higher momentum coupling coefficient is the best choice to launch into the LEO.