About This Project

Small satellites need simple, reliable, and affordable propulsion systems for long-term missions. This project investigates whether nanosecond laser ablation of PTFE (Teflon) can provide measurable thrust for CubeSat propulsion. Vacuum experiments using laser pulse energies from 10 mJ to 100 mJ will measure thrust, propellant consumption, and plasma plume behavior. Around 100 tests will be performed, and all results will be published openly.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Small satellites require compact, reliable, and efficient propulsion systems for orbit maintenance and attitude control. Many existing systems rely on pressurized gas tanks or complex electric propulsion hardware. Laser ablation propulsion offers a potentially simpler alternative by converting laser energy directly into thrust through controlled material ablation. This project focuses on PTFE (Teflon), a stable solid propellant that can be stored for years without pressurization or cryogenic cooling. The study will investigate whether low-energy nanosecond laser pulses can generate measurable thrust suitable for future CubeSat applications.The concept originated from an independent study of spacecraft propulsion systems and was developed into a practical experimental research project.

What is the significance of this project?

Reliable propulsion remains one of the major challenges for small spacecraft. PTFE is inexpensive, widely available, chemically stable, and already used in several space propulsion concepts. Experimental data for laser-driven PTFE ablation at low pulse energies remain limited. This project will provide publicly available measurements of thrust, impulse generation, and propulsion efficiency. Positive results could support development of simple, low-cost propulsion systems for future CubeSat missions and long-duration spacecraft.

What are the goals of the project?

The primary goal is to measure thrust generated by nanosecond laser ablation of PTFE in a vacuum environment. Secondary objectives include measuring plume behavior, propellant consumption, and the relationship between laser pulse energy and propulsion performance. Tests will be performed using pulse energies from 10 mJ to 100 mJ. Results will be compared with theoretical models and published as open experimental data. Success criteria include repeatable thrust measurements above the noise floor and specific impulse exceeding 500 s. Approximately 100 propulsion tests will be conducted using PTFE samples at multiple laser energy levels between 10 mJ and 100 mJ. Each energy level will include repeated measurements to improve statistical reliability. All raw data, calculations, and experimental procedures will be published for independent verification.