This book comprises the proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Beamed Energy Propulsion, offering the latest progress in the field of advanced space propulsion systems powered by laser, microwave, and charged beams, covering aspects from fundamental issues to future space exploration plans. Topics include: fluid dynamics in air-breathing laser propulsion; laser supported detonation and energy deposition; lightcraft; laser in-tube thruster; ablative propulsion and microthrusters; liquid propellant and more.

This book contains nearly a complete collection of papers presented at the Third International Symposium on Beamed Energy Propulsion. It will provide an inspirational reading to researchers in the field of advanced propulsion, students and faculty in physics and engineering departments, as well as a general audience concerned with the future exploration of space. Topics include: Systems and Missions; Lightcraft Dynamics; Microwave Beamed-Energy Propulsion; Lasers for Propulsion; Ablative Laser Propulsion and Related Techniques; Airspikes; New Vehicle Concepts; Fundamental Issues.

Throughout most of the twentieth century, electric propulsion was considered the technology of the future. Now, the future has arrived. This important new book explains the fundamentals of electric propulsion for spacecraft and describes in detail the physics and characteristics of the two major electric thrusters in use today, ion and Hall thrusters. The authors provide an introduction to plasma physics in order to allow readers to understand the models and derivations used in determining electric thruster performance. They then go on to present detailed explanations of: Thruster principles Ion thruster plasma generators and accelerator grids Hollow cathodes Hall thrusters Ion and Hall thruster plumes Flight ion and Hall thrusters Based largely on research and development performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and complemented with scores of tables, figures, homework problems, and references, Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion: Ion and Hall Thrusters is an indispensable textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing to enter the aerospace industry. It also serves as an equally valuable resource for professional engineers already at work in the field.

The transport sector is one of the most valuable sectors in the world. It represents the large oil consumers but still relies mainly on fossil fuels. Since the world trend in fossil fuel use is expected to increase further, a more sustainable transportation system is unavoidable to cope with emerging economic and social issues, such as massive energy consumption and emissions of pollutant gases. In this regard, this book provides an overview of some recent and promising technological advancements in propulsion systems, ranging from on-board components to different propulsion system architectures. In particular, the book aims at giving a brief but significant insight into propulsion system design and architecture, by covering different topics and application fields (road, marine, and aerospace).

Looks at technological developments which will shape the future of air and space travel, including ultralight aircraft, antimatter, and high-energy laser propulsion systems

"The Starflight Handbook is an compendium of the many and varied methods for traversing the vast interstellar gulf."--Publisher.

Space launches have evoked the same vivid image for decades: bright orange flames exploding beneath a rocket as it lifts off and thunders into the sky. An alternative acceleration system could reshape that vision forever, with rockets leaving their energy source on the ground... or in space. Laser Propulsion in Space: Fundamentals, Technology, and Future Missions takes readers on a comprehensive journey from the theoretical overview of propulsion fundamentals, to reviews of current projects involving high-power CW fiber lasers and energetic mm-wave sources with their ongoing and potential end-use applications in beamed energy propulsion (BEP). Written by experts in the field, this mathematically sound reference text also highlights graphical solutions of equations' results, as well as case studies with worked-out examples, making this book an invaluable compendium for students, researchers, technology developers and futurists in understanding the promise and challenges of this emerging technology. - Covers beamed energy propulsion advances - Highlights state-of-the-art BEP applications of LEO debris removal, suborbital and orbital launch, solar system exploration, and interstellar lightsail probes, as well as advances in related photon source technologies and infrastructures - Includes opinion sections explaining why we as a technical society should care about each chapter's topic and the considerably good outcomes that can be achieved with laser engines - Is accompanied by a website with video clips and other ancillary materials to enhance insight

Taking an uncommon approach to revealing future flight technology to the general public, this comprehensive examination conveys the technological possibilities for the next generation of military and commercial aviation. Written in superb but accessible detail, this study outlines the Lightcraft revolution--flights that will fly on microwave and laser energy beamed from satellite solar power stations--and shows how it will ultimately replace today’s commercial jet airlines.

This book gives an in-depth analysis of the physical phenomena of thrust production by laser radiation, as well as laser propulsion engines, and laser-propelled vehicles. It brings together into a unified context accumulated up-to-date information on laser propulsion research, considering propulsion phenomena, laser propulsion techniques, design of vehicles with laser propulsion engines, and high-power laser systems to provide movement for space vehicles. In particular, the reader will find detailed coverage of: designs of laser propulsion engines, operating as both air-breathing and ramjet engines to launch vehicles into LEOs; Assembly of vehicles whereby laser power from a remote laser is collected and directed into a propulsion engine; and, the laser-adaptive systems that control a laser beam to propel vehicles into orbits by delivering laser power through the Earth's atmosphere. This book is essential reading for researchers and professionals involved in laser propulsion.