Laser-Assisted Solar Oberth Sailing (LASOS)

Laser-Assisted Solar Oberth Sailing (LASOS) is an advanced space propulsion concept that combines solar sailing, laser propulsion, and the Oberth effect to significantly increase spacecraft escape velocity without using onboard propellant. The project proposes a one-pass Sun-diver trajectory where a lightweight reflective sail receives a laser boost near perihelion and then harnesses intense solar radiation pressure for further acceleration. Research results indicate that, under equal local laser power conditions, LASOS can achieve up to 4.2 times higher hyperbolic escape speed than a comparable direct laser-sail launch, demonstrating a promising pathway for future fast interplanetary and interstellar precursor missions. While the concept is physically consistent with known laws of physics, key enabling technologies such as gram-scale sails, close-Sun laser relays, and precision beam control require further development.