Title

DE-STAR: Phased-Array Laser Technology for Planetary Defense and Other Scientific Purposes

Author Info

Gary B. Hughes, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis ObispoFollow
Philip Lubin, University of California - Santa Barbara
J Bible, University of California - Santa Barbara
Jesse Bublitz, University of California - Santa Barbara
Josh Arriola, University of California - Santa Barbara
Caio Motta, University of California - Santa Barbara
Jon Suen, University of California - Santa Barbara
Isabella Johansson, University of California - Santa Barbara
Jordan Riley, University of California - Santa Barbara
Nilou Sarvian, University of California - Santa Barbara
Jan Wu, University of California - Santa Barbara
Deborah Clayton-Warwick, University of California - Santa Barbara
Andrew Milich, University of California - Santa Barbara
Mitch Oleson, University of California - Santa Barbara
Mikka Kangas, University of California - Santa Barbara
Mark Pryor, Vorticy Inc, San Diego
Peter Krogen, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Recommended Citation

Published in Proceedings of SPIE: San Diego, CA, August 25, 2013.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2026401.

Abstract

Current strategies for diverting threatening asteroids require dedicated operations for every individual object. We propose a stand-off, Earth-orbiting system capable of vaporizing the surface of asteroids as a futuristic but feasible approach to impact risk mitigation. We call the system DE-STAR (Directed Energy System for Targeting of Asteroids and exploRation). DE-STAR is a modular phased array of laser amplifiers, powered by solar photovoltaic panels. Lowcost development of test systems is possible with existing technology. Larger arrays could be tested in sub-orbital demonstrations, leading eventually to an orbiting system. Design requirements are established by seeking to vaporize the surface of an asteroid, with ejected material creating a reaction force to alter the asteroid’s orbit. A proposed system goal would be to raise the surface spot temperature to

Disciplines

Statistics and Probability

Copyright

2013 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.

Publisher statement

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