Fast Solar System transportation with electric propulsion powered by directed energy

Abstract Exploration of the Solar System is constrained by interplanetary transfer technology. Current propulsion architectures do not allow for trajectories much faster than Hohmann transfers, implying elevated health risks and mission costs associated with multi-year human spaceflight missions and even longer robotic mission times. Proposed advanced nuclear and exotic systems involve immature component technologies and high degrees of complexity, cost, and risk. Breakthrough improvements may be possible with electric propulsion powered by directed energy, where a large-aperture laser phased array directs energy to photovoltaics on electric propulsion vehicles. Narrowband intensity gain over sunlight would lower on-board power system specific mass (kg/kW) to enable fast Solar System missions without advanced nuclear or exotic power and propulsion systems. The proposed architecture is modular and offers scalability from nanosatellites to human missions, with opportunities for operational systems and Solar System exploration along a technology development roadmap.