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This amazing prototype of a laser-propelled spacecraft is currently undergoing trials at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
Originally intended as a Strategic Defense Initiative microsatellite, the craft was propelled by a ground-based 10kw Textron high-energy, pulsed carbon-dioxide, infra-red laser. It is designed to convert kilojoule pulses of laser energy, focused at ten times a second onto a parabolic mirror at its base, into propulsive thrust.
The laser energy is concentrated to extremely high intensities, sufficient to burst inlet air momentarily into highly luminous plasma (10-30,000 degrees), with up to ten atmospheric pressures, providing thrust. An operational Lightcraft, with on-board propellant, would fly to Mach 5 on an air-breathing engine then shift to laser-propelled rocket mode.
