Design strategies for ultrahigh peak power lasers in space

Summary form only given. We examine design issues for laser systems intended to operate in a space environment and also to achieve high average power and high peak power. Physical issues that impose novel demands include a need to remove heat by radiative processes; establish and maintain precise alignment of low mass structures extending over dimensions that can range to kilometers and more; draw all power from the conversion of sunlight to electrical power by solar cells; manage the distribution, with low mass technology, of substantial levels of heat, electrical power, and optical power over dimensions that can range to kilometers and more.