LIGHTCRAFT
PROTOTYPE LASER PROPELLED SPACECRAFT
This amazing prototype of a laser-propelled spacecraft is currently
undergoing trials at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
Originally intended as a Strategic Defense Initiative microsatellite,
the craft was propelled by a ground-based 10kw Textron high-energy,
pulsed carbon-dioxide, infra-red laser. It is designed to convert
kilojoule pulses of laser energy, focused at ten times a second
onto a parabolic mirror at its base, into propulsive thrust.
The laser energy is concentrated to extremely high intensities,
sufficient to burst inlet air momentarily into highly luminous plasma
(10-30,000 degrees), with up to ten atmospheric pressures, providing
thrust. An operational Lightcraft, with on-board propellant, would
fly to Mach 5 on an air-breathing engine then shift to laser-propelled
rocket mode.
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Very interesting, i would love to see some videos of these aircraft.
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just go and spend a night near area 51 you will see some 
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So far this project hasn't got past the model stage, but concept behind the design works. Unfortunatly this is a rather unwieldy design and in all
probability will not get beyond the test phase, however the concept will be applied to other space craft i.e the Space Elevator.
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has anyone got any facts about the space elevator or could point me to a post, i've heard somethings about it. btw i am new here, hence the noob
question.
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I saw some video footage of an early prototype, it was pretty neat. It made this really loud popping sound as the laser impacted the reflective
surface. They did mention it was possible to send something out of orbit with that technology which would reduce the costs of space travel
tremendously, was interesting.
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