DOW-UAP-D143, AAWSAP DIRD, Laser Lightcraft Nanosatellites, November 2010

Department of War · 11/1/10 · Las Vegas, Nevada · Document

DOW-UAP-D143, AAWSAP DIRD, Laser Lightcraft Nanosatellites, November 2010 is indexed as a Department of War record with incident date 11/1/10 and location Las Vegas, Nevada. This document is a Defense Intelligence Reference Document (DIRD), a technical reference format used by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) to capture baseline knowledge on a specific topic for later analytic use. DIRDs are best understood as reference and synthesis products rather than as original research. It is one of 38 DIRDs produced under the Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program (AAWSAP) between 2009 and 2011. Because AAWSAP s scope permitted a broad range of supporting topics, not every DIRD in the series directly concerns aerospace systems or future threat assessment. The following summary reflects the DIRD s scope and framing at the time of writing and should not be read as implying current validation of the concepts discussed. This DIRD examines laser-propelled Lightcraft as a possible low-cost method to launch very small satellites into low Earth orbit by using a remote high-energy laser to supply most of the propulsion energy rather than relying entirely on onboard energy sources. The report combines a survey of nanosatellite trends with a review of Lightcraft propulsion concepts, vehicle design, beam-control requirements, and mission studies, and argues that the most promising application is the launch of nanoor pico-satellites, especially Earthand space-observing payloads of a few kilograms or less. It presents the concept as potentially much cheaper than conventional multistage rockets for very small payloads, while also noting significant practical constraints including strict beam-riding geometry, atmospheric losses, demanding pointing and adaptive-optics requirements, and heavy dependence on large ground-, sea-, or air-based laser infrastructure. Overall, the document presents laser Lightcraft as a technically plausible launch concept whose attractiveness depends on whether the supporting laser and beam-control system can be made reliable and economical at operational scale. Redactions have been made to protect the identity of eyewitnesses, the location of government facilities, or potentially sensitive information about military sites not related to UAP. No redactions have been made to any files released under President Trump's directive concerning information about the nature or existence of any encounter reported as a UAP or related phenomena.

Notable / anomalous element

• The axisymmetric, off-axis parabolic collection mirror facilitates flight by concentrating the pulsed laser light into an annular focus. (native PDF text, page 16)
• Hybrid rocket sizing and costing was based upon tactical strategic missile sizing and costing information possessed by H. (native PDF text, page 34)
• The classical interpretation of this process is that the electrons travel with the light radiation and exchange energy with it. (native PDF text, page 63)
• Constellations th at fly in close formation can benefit by the use of inter-nanosat commun ications to reduce ground station contention. (native PDF text, page 14)

Details

• The Defense Intelligence Reference Document provides non-substantive but authoritative reference information related to intelligence topics or methodologies. (native PDF text, page 2)
• This product is one in a series of advanced technology reports produced in FY 2010 under the Defense Intelligence Agency, Defense Warning Office's Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications. (AAWSA) Program. (native PDF text, page 2)
• Comments or questions pertaining to this document should be addressed to I -.) MP Person I 1 - AAP Perso AAWSA Program Manager, Defense Intelligence Agency, ATTN: JUIAF DI/DWO-3, 1. (native PDF text, page 2)
• UNCLASSIFIED/ /f8R 8FFIGI/Jk W&li QIIL Contents Chapter 1: Nanosatellite Technologies. (native PDF text, page 3)
• 27 Chapter 4: Summary of Multi-Megawatt Laser Study for Lightcraft Propulsion Appl ications. (native PDF text, page 3)
• AFRL Test Veh icle in Vertical Flight. (native PDF text, page 3)
• Time-Lapse Photo of a Lightcraft Undergoing an Outdoor Vertical Flight Test 15 Figure 4. (native PDF text, page 3)
• Lightcraft Flight-Test Vehicle Used in Horizontal Guide -Wire Flight Tests. (native PDF text, page 3)

Tags: War Department, Nevada, AAWSAP, Technical research, Rocket, Weapons, Lights, Missile