Laser Controlled Solid Propulsion: Advances, Challenges, and Future Trends

ABSTRACT Laser controlled solid propulsion (LCSP) represents a novel technology currently under development that offers controllable ignition, throttling, extinguishing, and reignition capabilities for solid rocket motors. The present review emphasizes two decades of research into the concepts, propellant compositions, combustion mechanisms, component development, and systems‐level demonstrations for LCSP. Key advancements associated with the laser/propellant interaction, photosensitive/gel propellants, carbon black absorbents, and diode laser microthrusters are discussed. Experimental studies showed that laser power density influences ignition delay time, burn rate, chamber pressure, and thrust production, which are covered in the present review. Possible challenges in LCSP development including optical contamination, combustion instability, formulation improvements, scaling, environmental effects, modeling, and testing issues are identified. Innovative approaches involving new propellant chemistries, optical contaminants tolerant optics, feedback control, integration, and flying LCSP have been outlined briefly.