Brazil / US Laser Propulsion

Institudo de Estudos Avançados (IEAv) from Brazilian Air Force and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) from New York are developing a new laser propulsion system that will provide energy from ground structures to the rear of the spacecraft during the flight in the Earth atmosphere. It will increase the payload fraction from 5% to 50% and it will reduce the polution. The first launch is planned at latest for 2025.

More: http://www.fab.mil.br/portal/capa/index.php?mostra=3672