Near-term feasibility demonstration of laser power beaming

Herbert W. Friedman

doi:10.1117/12.174185

1 May 1994 Near-term feasibility demonstration of laser power beaming

Herbert W. Friedman

Proceedings Volume 2121, Laser Power Beaming; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.174185
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

A mission to recharge batteries of satellites in geostationary orbits (geosats) may be a commercially viable application which could be achieved with laser systems somewhat larger than present state-of-the-art. The lifetime of batteries on geosats is limited by repetitive discharge cycles which occur when the satellites are eclipsed by the earth during the spring and fall equinoxes. By coupling high power lasers with modern, large aperture telescopes and laser guide star adaptive optics systems, present day communications satellites could be targeted. It is important that a near term demonstration of laser power beaming be accomplished using lasers in the kilowatt range so that issues associated with high average power be addressed. The Laser Guide Star Facility at LLNL has all the necessary subsystems needed for such a near term demonstration, including high power lasers for both the power beam and guide star, beam directors and satellite tracking system.

Citation Download Citation

Herbert W. Friedman "Near-term feasibility demonstration of laser power beaming", Proc. SPIE 2121, Laser Power Beaming, (1 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.174185

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