Beamed Energy Propulsion

Papers presented at the First International Symposium on Beamed Energy Propulsion, as the first conference of this kind, demonstrated that beamed energy propulsion is an established worldwide field of research and engineering, and an extremely active field of new technology. Four countries have already launched their lightcrafts, and the day when they will reach space is looming in the near future. A major demonstration of microwave propulsion in space will be conducted this year. Laser-based microthrusters are becoming off-the-shelf technology. Microairplanes and dirigibles are now riding on laser beams. Even planetary defense systems left sci-fi thrillers to become a matter of feasibility discussion. Topics include: Fluid Dynamics in Laser Propulsion; Ablative Laser Propulsion and Microthrusters; Microwave Propulsion; Microwave Sails; Beamed Energy for Interstellar Missions; Hybrid Systems and New Concepts; Miscellaneous Applications; Beam-Propelled Microaircraft; Beam Generation, Propagation, and Reception; Beamed Energy Propulsion; System Analysis; and High-Power BEP User Testing Facilities.