Workshop to Create a Strategic Roadmap to Commercialize Directed Energy Systems for Low-Cost Space Launches

This half-day workshop will create a strategic roadmap to commercialize microwave or laser propulsion for space launches. This workshop brings together major actors – particularly researchers, potential users, and New Space advocates - to discuss the steps needed to turn the vision of directed energy propulsion for low-cost space launches into reality. While interest has grown since Arthur Kantrowitz proposed the concept in 1972 and the Air Force Research Laboratory tested proof-of-concept microprobes in 1996, directed energy propulsion research remains at a low TRL. A loose community of researchers exists, but they lack the critical mass to move research from individual labs to a more coordinated program capable of effectively competing for the large resources necessary to commercialize the technology. Meanwhile, the high cost of launching payloads (ca. > $22,000/ kg) limits space exploration and exploitation.

The workshop will produce a roadmap of goals and milestones to guide the growing DE community, the larger space community, and potential sponsors. If successful, truly low cost launches (<$1000/ kg) would inaugurate Space 3.0, an era of vastly expanded space exploration and exploitation driven by sharply reduced price of reaching orbit.

Cost is $100. You must be a registered attendee of HPLA to attend.