[FPSPACE] Multi-bounce laser-based sails

[LARRY KLAES]

Multi-Bounce Laser-Based Sails

Robert A. Metzger1 and Geoffrey Landis2

1Quad W. Associates, 6605 Williamson Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30328

2Ohio Aerospace Institute, NASA Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Road, MS: 
302-1, Cleveland, OH 44135 (404) 705-8475, rametzger at aol.com

Abstract. A laser-based lightsail craft is proposed in which the laser beam 
is operated in a multi-bounce mode, such that after first striking the 
lightsail, the beam is reflected back to a source reflector where it is 
again directed to the lightsail. Recent developments in nearly ideal 
reflectors permit more than 1000 bounces, which reduce the laser power 
requirments by a factor of 1000 as compared to conventional laser-based 
lightsail proposals. Using the multi-bounce lightsail approach coupled with 
lasers operating in the power range of 100 MW to 1 GW, the details of a 
mission to Mars requiring only a sub-100 day transit, and an orbital 
transfer vehicle designed to transport cargo between Phobos and Deimos are 
examined.

http://www.rametzger.com/nonfic-mblbs.htm