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Prospects and physical mechanisms for photonic space propulsion

Nature Photonics volume 12, pages 649–657 (2018)Cite this article

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Abstract

An abundant source of energy in space, electromagnetic radiation can provide spacecraft with a gentle yet persistent thrust for interplanetary and interstellar missions. Early successes with microlaser and solar propulsion platforms confirm their potential for near-Earth and deep space exploration, although practical realization of reliable photonic devices is not trivial. This Perspective outlines the recent achievements and future outlook in the field of photonic space propulsion. We highlight several light-enabled mechanisms of thrust generation via photon–matter interactions such as photonic pressure and ablation, optical gradient forces, light-induced electron emission and others. Finally, we outline some of the key challenges in the area and possible solutions for practical applications.

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Fig. 1: Artistic presentation of several types of photonic space thrust platform.
Fig. 2: Examples of photonic propulsion systems.
Fig. 3: Photon-induced forces for thrust vector control.

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Acknowledgements

The work was supported in part by the Office for Space Technology and Industry—Space Research Program (OSTIn-SRP/EDB), National Research Foundation, Singapore. I.L. acknowledges the support from the School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology.

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  1. Plasma Sources and Applications Centre, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore

    Igor Levchenko & Shuyan Xu

  2. Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    Igor Levchenko & Kateryna Bazaka

  3. CNRS, ICARE, Orléans, France

    Stephane Mazouffre

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Correspondence to Igor Levchenko.

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Levchenko, I., Bazaka, K., Mazouffre, S. et al. Prospects and physical mechanisms for photonic space propulsion. Nature Photon 12, 649–657 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41566-018-0280-7

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