// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM
Beamed Energy Propulsion
Beamed energy propulsion is a method for propelling a spacecraft where a powerful laser or microwave beam is aimed at it from a remote source, like Earth or a satellite. The craft's engine uses this external energy to heat a propellant or the vehicle's surface, creating thrust without needing to carry a heavy internal power source.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Beamed energy propulsion (BEP) is a class of spacecraft propulsion technology that generates thrust by using a remote, high-power energy source, typically a ground-based or space-based laser or microwave emitter. This directed energy beam impinges on the vehicle, heating an onboard propellant (like hydrogen) or ablating a solid surface to create a high-velocity exhaust jet, enabling high specific impulse (Isp) and payload fractions for applications like interstellar travel or orbit raising.
BACKGROUND
Beam-powered propulsion, also known as directed energy propulsion, is a class of aircraft or spacecraft propulsion that uses energy beamed to the spacecraft from a remote power plant to provide energy. The beam is typically either a microwave or a laser beam, and it is either pulsed or continuous. A continuous beam lends itself to thermal rockets, photonic thrusters, and light sails. In contrast, a pulsed beam lends itself to ablative thrusters and pulse detonation engines.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- directed-energy propulsion
- laser propulsion
- microwave propulsion
- beam-powered propulsion
- remote power propulsion
- laser thermal propulsion
- lightcraft
USAGE NOTE
This is largely an advanced, experimental concept explored for future missions requiring extremely high speeds, such as interstellar probes or rapid satellite deployment.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Beamed Energy Propulsion.
A research and engineering project by the Breakthrough Initiatives to develop a proof-of-concept fleet of 'nanocrafts' called StarChips, to be propelled by a ground-based light beamer to a significant fraction of the speed of light.
A non-profit organization that has developed and successfully flown solar sail spacecraft, such as LightSail 2, which uses photon pressure from the sun (a natural form of beamed energy) for propulsion.
A NASA program that funds visionary, early-stage concepts. NIAC has funded multiple studies on beamed energy propulsion, including laser-thermal propulsion, directed energy for interstellar missions, and microwave-powered systems.
A company founded by Dr. Leik Myrabo, a key researcher in the field, specifically to develop laser-propelled vehicles. The company has built and tested numerous prototypes that are propelled by ground-based lasers.
Led by Professor Philip Lubin at the University of California, Santa Barbara, this research group is a primary developer of the Directed Energy Propulsion for Interstellar Exploration (DEEP-IN) concept, which forms the technical basis for Breakthrough Starshot.
Japan's national aerospace agency, which successfully launched and operated the IKAROS (Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation Of the Sun) mission, the world's first spacecraft to demonstrate solar sail technology in interplanetary space.
A research startup composed of scientists and engineers that has published peer-reviewed research on physical models for warp drives. While theoretical, their work explores manipulating spacetime, a concept sometimes linked to advanced directed energy applications.