Laser Propulsion Applications For Space Research

The physical base and the possibilities of laser propulsion development for application in space research are discussed. Expressions are given for the rate of laser plasma flow expiration under the different conditions of laser driven propulsion, including the case of expiration of plasma with multi‐charge ions.Note that laser plasma velocities from 10 to 100 km/s can be reached when the intensity of CO2‐laser radiation is relatively small (only a small fraction of invoking object’s mass is used for achieving of the first cosmic velocity). It allows us to decrease the launching cost by hundred times as compared to the cost of chemical‐fueled rockets.The problem of satellite velocity restore in ionosphere by using of small power lasers or “solar sail” is also considered. The corresponding evaluation of laser parameters and sail square is presented.