Two-Stage-to-Orbit Transporting System Combining Microwave Rocket and Microwave Thermal Rocket for Small Satellite Launch

Abstract

This paper proposes a two-stage-to-orbit launch system comprised of a Microwave Rocket 1st stage and a Microwave Thermal Rocket 2nd stage. The air-breathing 1st stage improves payload fraction relative to a single-stage-to-orbit system and carries the 2nd stage above the atmosphere and into range of its beam director. For the 1st stage task, a Microwave Rocket is superior to an unmanned aerial vehicle because it is simpler, faster, and reaches higher altitude at higher speed. In addition, we present a new trajectory that eliminates power beaming at low elevation angles and improves system performance. This combination of factors reduces the propellant needed in the 2nd stage, which in turn increases payload fraction by a remarkable factor of 3 times.