Laser Heated Steam Rocket Thrust via Ground-Based Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rocket propulsion systems lack efficient methods to increase thrust without adding weight, particularly in the early stages of flight, and existing laser technologies are not effectively integrated for enhancing steam pressure within rocket pressure chambers.
Innovation Solution
The integration of truck-mounted laser beam generators and clear fused quartz discs in a rocket propulsion system that uses high-test hydrogen peroxide fuel, where laser beams are directed into the pressure chamber to increase steam temperature and pressure, combined with a stainless steel heating element and de Laval exhaust nozzles for enhanced thrust without combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional rocket propulsion systems use traditional fuel combustion methods, then thrust is generated, but the system weight increases and efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional chemical combustion mechanisms with a laser-based thermal heating system. Ground-based laser generators transmit energy through fused quartz windows to heat steam directly in the pressure chamber, eliminating the need for heavy onboard combustion engines and fuel storage systems while maintaining thrust generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ground-based laser generators and fused quartz windows as intermediary components. The lasers serve as external energy sources that transmit thermal energy through the transparent quartz windows into the pressure chamber, enabling thrust generation without carrying heavy propulsion systems on the rocket itself
2Temperature
If laser beam generators are integrated into the rocket system, then steam temperature and pressure increase, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the laser generation function from the rocket system and places it on the ground. Only the essential fused quartz windows remain in the rocket to transmit laser energy, while the complex laser generators, power supplies, and control systems remain on the ground, significantly reducing onboard complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fused quartz windows serve multiple functions: they act as structural components of the pressure chamber, serve as transparent barriers to contain high-temperature steam, and function as optical transmitters for laser energy. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
3Power
If traditional fuel injection and combustion systems are used, then thrust is produced, but energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy delivery parameters from chemical combustion (low efficiency, diffuse heat distribution) to concentrated laser beams (high efficiency, focused energy delivery). The laser energy can be precisely directed and adjusted in intensity, allowing for more efficient energy conversion to thermal energy and subsequently to mechanical thrust
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-based laser system can provide continuous energy delivery during the rocket's ascent phase, maintaining steam temperature and pressure throughout flight. This continuous energy supply replaces the discrete combustion events of traditional systems, ensuring sustained thrust without the inefficiencies of repeated ignition and combustion cycles
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides additional thrust by increasing steam pressure within the rocket's pressure chamber, allowing for more efficient lift-off and continued propulsion during the first stage of flight, utilizing existing truck-mounted laser generators and existing rocket launcher technology, while maintaining a lightweight system.
Implementation Method 1
beaming lasers up into a rocket from the land-based laser generators for the purpose of increasing the temperature of the steam which is created inside the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
The three laser beams will rotate between nine laser generators on the launch pad. These laser beams will enter the rocket through three of the clear fused quartz discs located in the rocket base
Implementation Method 3
99% pure hydrogen peroxide rocket fuel, (high test peroxide, or HTP) will be injected into the pressure chamber, and then through the manganese dioxide catalysts. The HTP will immediately flash into steam
Implementation Method 4
The HTP will immediately flash into steam and be forced through the chamber
Implementation Method 5
The HTP will immediately flash into steam and be forced through the chamber and then pass by the heated burner. This additional heat from the burner will increase the steam pressure in the chamber which will create the additional thrust through the de Laval exhaust nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
To use launchpad based laser beam generators to stream 50+ kilowatt laser beams up through clear fused quartz discs located in the base of the rocket to super heat the steam in the rocket's pressure chamber for the purpose of increasing the thrusting power of the rocket. This rocket does not use fossil fuel, but rather it uses 99% pure hydrogen peroxide fuel, (H2O2) which flashes into steam without the use of combustion.