Experimental Investigation of μN-class Laser Ablation Thruster

Abstract

The micro-Newton thrust measurement was conducted for a low intensity continuous wave laser thruster for aluminum foil propellant target. To evaluate the thrust characteristics, a torsion-balance thrust stand capable for the measurement of the thrust level down to micro-Newton range was developed. In the case of the aluminum foil target, the maximum thrust level was 6 μN when the laser power was 20 W. It was also found that the laser intensity, or laser power per unit area, irradiated on the target was significantly important on the control of the thrust even under the low-intensity level.