Experimental and theoretical investigation of laser rocket engine characteristics based on a continuous optical discharge

The results of the experimental and theoretical investigation of basic laser rocket engine (LRE) characteristics are presented; the engine operation is based on a continuous optical discharge being stabilized in the absorption chamber by a swirled counterflow working gas stream. Modeling of the stream pattern in the LRE absorption chamber made it possible to reveal zones of peripheral, intermediate and axial flow taking into account atmospheric air ejection into the near-axial region through the gasodynamic window. It is shown that creation of a laser rocket engine with a high specific impulse is a real problem.