laser beam rocket

Laser Beam Rocket Launch

NASA is looking into the idea of using beamed energy to provide propulsion for space launches, which would allow for reusable rockets and cut payload costs.

The system, developed by Laser Motive, would involve focusing laser beams on a heat exchanger on board the rocket. The heat exchanger would transfer the energy to a liquid propellant such as hydrogen, which would covert it into a gas and force it out of a nozzle.

The thermal propulsion vehicles would be safer, since the potential for explosion would be eliminated and pieces would not need to drop off during flight. Since most of the complex components would remain on the ground, they would also be smaller, lighter, and less expensive to launch.