Thermodynamic Limitations on Energy Conversion in Laser Propulsion

We show that perfect propulsion requires a constant momentum mission, as a consequence of Newton's second law. Perfect propulsion occurs when the velocity of the propelled mass in the inertial frame of reference matches the velocity of the propellant jet in the rocket frame of reference. We compare constant momentum to constant specific impulse propulsion, which, for a given specification of the mission delta V, has an optimum specific impulse that maximizes the propelled mass per unit jet kinetic energy investment. We also describe findings of more than 50% efficiency for conversion of laser energy into jet kinetic energy by ablation of solids.
Pres. at International Workshop on Combustion and Propulsion (10th), In-Space Propulsion, held in Lerici, La Spezia, Italy on 21-25 Sep 2003.