Air-space integrated quantum high-energy laser platform and multi-domain application system thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an air-space integrated quantum high-energy laser platform (YRCW stubble for short), and belongs to the technical field of aerospace, directional energy weapons and space resource development. The platform adopts a flying wing type fusion body aerodynamic layout, and the core is that advanced subsystems such as a thorium-based molten salt reactor energy system, a quantum high-energy laser transmitter and a quantum radar detection module are integrated; through cooperation of eight steps of energy activation, energy storage preparation, perception construction, system readiness, global maneuvering, target strike, communication guarantee and multi-domain adaptive adjustment, global maneuvering (the speed is more than 0-25 Mach, and the flight height is more than 0-80 thousand kilometers) from airport horizontal takeoff to near-earth orbit deployment is realized. The system has the remarkable advantages that nuclear energy, quantum technologies and directional energy weapons are deeply fused, and a comprehensive aerospace combat platform with strategic early warning, remote accurate strike, on-orbit service and space resource development capabilities is formed. The platform core subsystem can be independently expanded to land-based, ship-based, stratosphere air-based and space-based application scenes. Particularly, the invention provides an independent energy source and application scheme of the thorium-based molten salt reactor power generation module in remote mountainous areas, disaster rescue and lunar helium-3, water and ice resource development, and detailed technical and economic data are supplemented, so that the practical value and strategic significance of the technology are greatly expanded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the intersection of high-end equipment manufacturing and emerging technologies, specifically to an integrated aerospace high-energy laser platform system. More specifically, it relates to a comprehensive platform capable of autonomous takeoff and landing, transatmospheric flight, long-term on-orbit monitoring, and the ability to perform long-range precision strikes, strategic reconnaissance, on-orbit servicing, and space-based resource development missions, and the application of its core technologies in multi-dimensional defense, civilian emergency energy, and space economy scenarios. Background Technology

[0002] Space-based high-energy directed-energy weapons and the development of space resources are considered key to changing the future strategic landscape. However, existing technological solutions have significant limitations: land-based or shipborne laser systems are constrained by the Earth's curvature and atmospheric effects, resulting in insufficient effective range; traditional space-based platforms rely on launch vehicles, which limit their volume and payload, leading to bottlenecks such as high deployment costs, difficult on-orbit maintenance, limited platform functionality, and poor energy supply sustainability. The application of space nuclear energy is still in its early stages, facing challenges such as power level, safety (especially in the extreme environment of space), and miniaturization. In terms of lunar resource exploration, existing orbital remote sensing technologies have low resolution and shallow detection depth, while lunar rovers have limited coverage and low efficiency, failing to meet the needs of precise and efficient development.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for an innovative platform that integrates long endurance, high-power energy systems, efficient thermal management, advanced quantum detection, and high-energy laser strike capabilities, possessing autonomous space-to-ground round-trip capability and reusability. Simultaneously, such a platform must be capable of safe and reliable on-orbit operation, and its cutting-edge core technology modules must be adaptively modified and extended to cutting-edge fields such as space-based resource development, possessing significant military, economic, and scientific value. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The primary objective of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a highly integrated, fully functional, safe, and reliable space-air integrated quantum high-energy laser platform. Another objective of this invention is to expand the technical solutions of the thorium-based molten salt reactor energy system, quantum high-energy laser emitter, and quantum radar detection module within the platform, making it applicable to land-based, ship-based, stratospheric air-based, and space-based mission scenarios. Furthermore, the power generation function of the thorium-based molten salt reactor and the platform's detection and extraction capabilities can be independently applied to civilian and scientific research fields such as remote areas, disaster relief, and lunar resource development, maximizing technological benefits.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: This invention provides an integrated space-air quantum high-energy laser platform, comprising: Platform overall architecture; The integrated space-air quantum high-energy laser platform (YRCW Starship) adopts a flying-wing aerodynamic layout, with overall dimensions of 24 meters long, 35 meters wide, and 9.6 meters high, and a fuselage volume of 8064 cubic meters. Powered by the YRCW space engine, the platform possesses horizontal takeoff and landing, vertical takeoff and landing, hovering, omnidirectional maneuverability, transatmospheric flight, and on-orbit maneuverability. Through its integrated power and fuselage design, the platform achieves a payload ratio of 28%-40%, with a payload capacity of 300-310 tons, supporting space-based deployment, orbital cruise, and space-air rendezvous.

[0006] Modular integrated system; The platform's internal structure is based on a carbon fiber composite main load-bearing truss, and it uses standardized interfaces to modularly integrate the following subsystems: Thorium-based molten salt reactor energy system: Provides a continuous 10MW-level power and heat source, possesses inherent safety, and operates at atmospheric pressure. Space safety protection: For the vacuum, microgravity, radiation, and extreme temperature environments of space, the system employs an electromagnetically pump-driven forced circulation system and is equipped with a "cryostop" passive safety device. This device automatically melts in the event of a power outage or overheating, discharging the molten salt from the reactor core into an emergency storage tank containing neutron poison, achieving passive reactor shutdown. The system is encapsulated within a multi-layered enclosure consisting of a neutron shielding layer, a gamma-ray shielding layer, and an impact-resistant composite pressure vessel. Critical instruments and control units are radiation-hardened and integrated with an on-orbit health management system (IVHM) for real-time system status monitoring.

[0007] Energy distribution and storage system: includes Stirling generator and flywheel energy storage array, with a peak power of 50MW.

[0008] Quantum high-energy laser emitter: Utilizing a quantum entangled source as the seed light, a 10MW-level high-energy beam is generated through multi-path amplification and coherent combining. Coherent combining technology: Employing active phase control techniques (such as the Stochastic Parallel Gradient Descent (SPGD) algorithm), a phase modulator precisely locks multiple laser paths (e.g., 19 to thousands of paths) into phase, achieving coherent superposition of the beams in the far field. The combined beam quality factor M² can be better than 1.35, approaching the diffraction limit, and the combining efficiency can reach over 90%. This technology effectively overcomes the power limit of single-path lasers.

[0009] Plasma propulsion system: provides thrust for the platform’s on-orbit maneuvering and attitude control, with a specific impulse of 5,000-10,000 seconds.

[0010] Quantum radar detection module: Utilizes quantum entanglement or compressed state light sources to achieve ultra-long-distance, omnidirectional detection.

[0011] Performance parameters: It incorporates multiple technological approaches. The microwave quantum radar approach theoretically has a detection range of up to 15 million kilometers, suitable for deep-space asteroid defense; the single-photon detection quantum radar approach has been put into practical use, with detection ranges ranging from hundreds of kilometers to 1200 kilometers. This application's 10MW high-power platform provides early warning of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) at a range of 8000 kilometers, with a warning time of approximately 20 minutes. At geostationary orbit altitude, the detection accuracy for space targets can reach centimeter to sub-centimeter levels.

[0012] Information Processing and Fire Control Center: Responsible for data fusion, threat assessment and combat command generation, with a data processing capacity of 100 TFlops.

[0013] Quantum laser communication and transmission system: Enables secure and high-speed communication between the platform and space-ground networks.

[0014] Integrated thermal management and heat dissipation system: including microchannel cooling plates, loop heat pipe network and composite material radiators, deeply coupled with reactor waste heat removal system.

[0015] The entire system is designed to be environmentally adaptable: it includes a mirrored stealth skin, radiation-resistant hardening, and an on-orbit health management system.

[0016] Overview of space-based application scenarios; Energy replenishment station: It provides remote energy replenishment to satellites and space stations through directional microwave or laser power transmission technology. The power transmission distance can reach more than 1,000 kilometers, with an efficiency of more than 50%, and a single replenishment can extend the satellite's on-orbit life by 5 years.

[0017] Orbital servicing: Utilizing plasma propulsion systems, this enables satellite orbital maneuvers, constellation deployment, and the removal of defunct satellites, handling 1-3 satellites at a time. The global on-orbit servicing market is projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2030.

[0018] Deep Space Exploration Hub: Deployed in lunar orbit or at a Lagrange point, it provides energy and communication relay support for deep space missions, and can simultaneously provide 10MW-level power supply and 100Gbps communication bandwidth for multiple missions.

[0019] Space manufacturing and maintenance: Utilizing the platform's large volume and high-precision (micron-level) laser tools, support on-orbit assembly, repair, and upgrade missions.

[0020] Examples of lunar resource development; Helium-3 resource development: Utilizing quantum energy spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and thermal neutron detection technologies, centimeter-resolution and ppb-level precision detection and in-situ extraction verification of helium-3 in the deep lunar regolith (5-10 meters) can be achieved. The lunar helium-3 reserves are approximately 1 million tons, with a current market price of about US$19 million per kilogram. The platform technology can significantly reduce the detection and development costs from the tens of billions of dollars of traditional methods.

[0021] Water ice resource development: Combining quantum radar (detection depth 10-20 meters) with hyperspectral imaging, high-precision detection of permanently shadowed areas on the moon will be conducted, and water ice will be extracted through laser heating, with an extraction efficiency of over 80%. Propellant made from water ice supplied from the moon to lunar orbit will be an order of magnitude cheaper than supplying it from Earth, potentially saving $54 billion by 2040.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages: 1. All-domain mobility and multi-mission capability: The platform has seamless mobility from the atmosphere to orbital space, supporting a variety of missions such as military strikes, energy resupply, orbital services and resource development.

[0023] 2. High-power and high-safety energy source: Thorium-based molten salt reactors break through the energy bottleneck of traditional space-based platforms and ensure on-orbit safety through multi-level safety design, guaranteeing the long-term operation of high-energy laser weapons and resource detection equipment.

[0024] 3. Advantages in technology integration and detection accuracy: Modular design enables deep integration of technologies such as nuclear energy, quantum detection, and directed energy weapons; quantum radar and laser technology improve the accuracy of lunar resource detection from ppm level to ppb level, and from kilometer level resolution to centimeter level.

[0025] 4. Space-based Application Expansion and Economic Feasibility: Through the synergy of energy, propulsion, and exploration systems, a strategic infrastructure network covering near-Earth space, the Moon, and deep space can be constructed. Supplementary economic data indicates that this platform and its technology-derived applications have significant cost advantages and enormous market potential. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Platform overall layout and functional process flow (1-13) - Attachment labeling explanation:

[0028] Figure 1 The platform subsystem integration layout diagram provided by the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 The platform subsystem connection and workflow diagram provided by this invention.

[0030] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the workflow of this invention.

[0031] Figure 4 The platform's three-dimensional layout and functional partitioning diagram provided for this invention.

[0032] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the platform startup process provided by this invention.

[0033] Figure 6 The deployment flowchart of the YRCW Starship laser platform provided by this invention.

[0034] Figure 7 A diagram of the space vacuum and gravity environment safety protection system for the thorium-based molten salt reactor provided by this invention.

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the quantum high-energy laser coherent synthesis technology provided for this invention.

[0036] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating the working mode of the quantum radar detection system provided by this invention.

[0037] Figure 10 A flowchart of lunar helium-3 detection and development technology provided by this invention.

[0038] Figure 11 A flowchart of lunar water ice detection and development technology provided by this invention.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the multi-domain application extension of the YRCW Starship laser platform provided by this invention.

[0040] Figure 13 This invention provides a diagram illustrating the expansion of multi-domain applications and economic benefits.

[0041] Platform subsystems (①-⑩) - Attachment labeling explanation:

[0042] Figure 14 This is a diagram of a ①-thorium-based molten salt reactor energy system.

[0043] Figure 15 The diagram shows a ②-quantum high-energy laser emitter.

[0044] Figure 16 ③ is a diagram of a high-energy laser emitter.

[0045] Figure 17 ④ - Schematic diagram of the plasma propulsion system.

[0046] Figure 18 This is a diagram of the ⑤-Quantum Radar Detection Module.

[0047] Figure 19 ⑥ - Fire Control Center Diagram.

[0048] Figure 20 ⑦ is a diagram of a quantum laser communication and transmission system.

[0049] Figure 21 ⑧ - Integrated Thermal Management and Heat Dissipation System Diagram.

[0050] Figure 22 This is the diagram of the main truss of composite material ⑨.

[0051] Figure 23 This is diagram ⑩ - Design for the environmental adaptability of the entire system. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example 1

[0054] Platform basic configuration and secure operation; like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in sections 3, 4, 5, 7, 14 to 23, the space-air integrated quantum high-energy laser platform of this invention adopts a flying-wing fused aerodynamic layout. The thorium-based molten salt reactor energy system is located in the forward energy compartment of the platform. Its safe operation, as described in the background section, relies on forced circulation, passive safety devices (cryoplugs), multiple containment structures, and radiation-resistant design. The quantum high-energy laser emitter is located in the central payload compartment, and its coherent combining technology is as follows... Figure 8 As shown, multi-beam phase-locked loop (MLL) is achieved using the SPGD algorithm. The quantum radar detection module, as shown... Figure 9 As shown, the working mode can be switched according to the mission requirements to achieve different detection capabilities from short-range high precision to ultra-long-range. Example 2

[0055] Space-based application scenarios; like Figure 6 As shown, once deployed in orbit, the platform can perform space-based missions. For example, a single contract for on-orbit satellite life extension services can be worth over $100 million. Utilizing its plasma propulsion system and precision detection capabilities, it can efficiently perform debris removal or satellite maintenance. Example 3

[0056] Lunar resource development and application; like Figure 10 , 11 As shown, once deployed in lunar orbit, the platform can conduct resource exploration and development.

[0057] Helium-3 detection: Using a matrix of quantum energy spectroscopy, LIBS and thermal neutron detection technologies, three-dimensional detection of enriched regions such as lunar maria is carried out with centimeter-level resolution and ppb-level accuracy, and verified by laser drilling sampling.

[0058] Water ice extraction: Quantum radar scans permanently shadowed areas, locates the ice, and then uses a tunable-power laser for heating and extraction. Water ice purity is analyzed in real time, providing life support and fuel preparation materials for a lunar base. This process is several orders of magnitude more efficient than traditional methods. Example 4

[0059] Multi-domain application expansion and economic analysis; such as Figures 12 to 13 As shown, the core subsystem of this invention can be used independently.

[0060] Land-based / rescue applications: The cost per kilowatt-hour of thorium-based molten salt reactor power generation modules can be as low as 0.1 yuan, and a single module can provide power to 5,000-10,000 people in disaster areas.

[0061] Ship-based applications: Quantum radar modules can improve ship detection capabilities by more than 30%.

[0062] Economic viability: The platform significantly reduces the cost per mission through multifunctional integration and reusability. Lunar resource development offers substantial economic benefits, the helium-3 market holds enormous potential, and water ice development can greatly reduce the cost of deep space exploration.

[0063] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0064] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only used to help understand the method and core idea of ​​the present invention—taking the fourth-generation nuclear fusion energy of thorium-based molten salt reactor as the core, and 10-megawatt quantum laser and quantum radar as key functional units, to achieve multi-scenario applications through modular and standardized system integration.

[0065] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that due to the limitations of written expression, and the objective existence of an infinite number of specific structures, those skilled in the art can make various improvements, modifications, or variations without departing from the core ideas of the present invention (thorium-based molten salt reactor fourth-generation nuclear fusion energy core, advantages of quantum laser and radar, system integration logic). The above technical features can also be combined in appropriate ways; these improvements, modifications, variations, or combinations should all be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A space-air integrated quantum high-energy laser platform, characterized in that, include: The main body of the platform adopts a flying wing-shaped integrated aerodynamic layout; A composite material main load-bearing truss is installed inside the main body of the platform as the core load-bearing structure; The main truss integrates in a modular manner a thorium-based molten salt reactor energy system, an energy distribution and storage system, a high-energy quantum laser emitter, a plasma propulsion system, a quantum radar detection module, an information processing and fire control center, a quantum laser communication and transmission system, an integrated thermal management and heat dissipation system, and an overall system environmental adaptability design. The thorium-based molten salt reactor energy system is equipped with a safety protection system for the space environment, including a passive safety shutdown mechanism and a multi-enclosure structure; the high-energy quantum laser emitter adopts multi-path laser coherent synthesis technology; and the quantum radar detection module has centimeter-level to sub-centimeter-level detection accuracy and a detection distance of thousands of kilometers to tens of millions of kilometers.

2. The space-air integrated quantum high-energy laser platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the thorium-based molten salt reactor energy system, quantum high-energy laser emitter, and quantum radar detection module can be adapted to land-based fixed or mobile platforms, ship platforms, stratospheric air-based platforms, or space-based platforms, and can independently or in combination constitute corresponding defense or resource detection application systems.

3. The space-air integrated quantum high-energy laser platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The platform possesses space-based application capabilities, including: Provide remote energy resupply and orbit maintenance services for satellites and space stations; achieve satellite orbit lifting, deployment, and failure cleanup through plasma propulsion systems; deploy in lunar orbit or deep space Lagrange points to support resource exploration, energy supply, and communication relay; and conduct on-orbit manufacturing, repair, and upgrade missions using high-precision laser tools.

4. The space-air integrated quantum high-energy laser platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thorium-based molten salt reactor energy system can be independently configured as a power generation module and applied in remote mountainous areas, isolated islands, polar research stations, disaster relief sites, or lunar resource development bases to provide power as an independent power source.

5. The space-air integrated quantum high-energy laser platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quantum radar detection module works in conjunction with the high-energy quantum laser emitter for centimeter-level resolution and ppb-level precision detection and in-situ extraction verification of lunar helium-3 and water ice resources.

6. The space-air integrated quantum high-energy laser platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy distribution and storage system includes a Stirling generator thermoelectric conversion unit and a flywheel energy storage array, the flywheel energy storage array being used to smooth the pulse power demand of the high-energy quantum laser emitter.

7. The space-air integrated quantum high-energy laser platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-energy quantum laser emitter uses a quantum entangled light source as the seed light, which is amplified and coherently combined to generate a high-energy beam. It also integrates an adaptive optics system based on deformable mirrors and wavefront sensors to correct wavefront distortion caused by atmospheric turbulence and platform jitter.

8. The space-air integrated quantum high-energy laser platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quantum radar detection module uses quantum entanglement or compressed state light sources for detection, and its sensor array is arranged on the mast structure outside the platform to achieve omnidirectional detection without blind spots.

9. The space-air integrated quantum high-energy laser platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated thermal management and heat dissipation system includes a microchannel cooling plate for direct liquid cooling of the high-energy laser chip, a loop heat pipe network distributed throughout the platform, and a large composite material radiator located outside the platform.

10. The space-air integrated quantum high-energy laser platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overall system environmental adaptability design includes a mirrored stealth skin for reflecting heat and detecting waves, radiation-hardened design for electronic components, and an integrated on-orbit health management system.

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