AAWSAP DIRD, Laser Lightcraft Nanosatellites, November 2010

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which usually result in mirror tilts (~ O to 400 micro-radians) and drastically
reduced beam power, thus maintaining beam power output at maximum design
value.
S-16m
: =2.6cm
z0=2cm
w 0=0.llnm
Figure 32. High-Power FEL Optical Resonator {courtesy of the Naval Post-Graduate School
FEL Lab).
ESTIMATED PAYLOAD COST FOR LIGHTCRAFT LAUNCH USING A 10
MW BSSSL, HPFL, OR RBFEL SYSTEM
No detailed Lightcraft nano- or pico-satellite payload launch cost estimates can be
performed at this time because the high-power solid-state and FEL laser devices are
emergent technologies still under development and testing; operational deployment is
expected to take place within the next two to five years depending on near-future
funding and programmatics. However, Table 1 shows that the average cost to launch a
laser-propelled Lightcraft (including payload) to LEO is $3,052 per kg. This figure was
based on operations, life-cycle, and maintenance costs plus the cost of using a high­
power bulk solid-state laser system that is 50% shared with another user.
The cost estimates shown in Table 1 were compiled in 2003, so this (average) launch
cost estimate will likely go down significantly at present (possibly by 20% or more) due
to significantly increased system efficiencies realized within each of these emergent
advanced laser technologies, reduced system costs due to widespread acceptance,
operational deployment along with dual-use commercialization, and system costs that
trend downward as technology matures over time, etc. IPG Photonics sells their
industrial HPFL systems (e.g., see Figure 27) for prices ranging from $50,000 to
$500,000 depending on the beam power (higher beam power= higher price) and
system application. Based on these factors, a simple back-of-the-envelope cost
estimate for Lightcraft launch of a payload to LEO is approximately $100 to $300 per
kg,** while the average cost to launch a laser-propelled Lightcraft (including payload) to
LEO will be approximately $800 to $2,000 per kg which includes the operations, life­
cycle, maintenance, and laser system costs. An in-depth study will be needed to obtain
more precise cost estimates for Lightcraft launch using BSSSL, HPFL, and RBFEL
systems.
HIGH ENERGY LASER BEAM CONTROL
..Costs could be reduced to as low as $20 per kg of payload if Buckytubes are used to construct the Lightcraft.
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