Speaker: Séverine Boyer (MINES-Paris/PSL)

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Orbital debris removal in low Earth orbit (LEO) opens the way to a new paradigm in space propulsion. The use of high-power pulsed laser interaction (HP PLI) offers a perspective in this field. This concept is based on laser ablation. The high-power HiLASE beamline facility (Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic), with Perla-B and BIVOJ, is used as a laser facility enabling high-energy, short-pulse, repetitive irradiation. First, the performance of laser ablation propulsion (LAP) will be presented by measuring the coupling coefficient (Cm) using a specially designed ballistic pendulum coupled with a Photonic Doppler Velocimetry system and an angle measurement using laser deflection. Second, to illustrate such an application, a “V-track” system will be introduced with the quantification of the laser/matter interaction-induced velocity of ablated targets. Model materials are used (metal and polymers). The laser conditions are suitable for the prospect of laser propulsion with limited creation of additional debris.

This webinar is an activity of Lasers4EU. The project offers international researchers from academia and industry access to state-of-the-art laser technology at 27 facilities across Europe. Lasers4EU is co-funded by the European Commission (HE-GA 101131771).