Is ablative laser propulsion a better option than Ion engines?

[Maximum7]

I’m trying to find something that can replace Ion engines in my Star Wars story. Ablative laser propulsion seems like a good bet because it works in both atmosphere and a vacuum and just seems better than Ion engines.

 

[mfb]

How much energy per mass does that need to achieve the same exhaust velocities as ion engines?
How much power per spacecraft mass do you need to escape any relevant gravity well?

If you can use a ground-based laser this can be an interesting concept, but with a laser on board of the spacecraft you won't get anywhere.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Why not just make up a name? ("Lucas drive" or some such) It's not like Star Wars is a stickler for science. Why start now?

 

[member 656954]

I’m trying to find something that can replace Ion engines in my Star Wars story.

Why exactly? There are already propulsion systems in the Star Wars universe, what aspect of your story needs this to even be described?

But to answer the question, 'no'!

You'd need to invest in way more laser and ablative replacement infrastructure around the solar system than makes economic sense. Also, it's not clear that it would work that well in the atmosphere for a Star Wars regime. I'm assuming you're referring to fixed installation laser ablating a craft to provide lift power. In that case, Darth Vader just shuts down the grid, effectively grounding all spacecraft . Easy pickings for a certain Sith Lord intent on crushing the rebel forces, that's for sure. Finally, how would landing from orbit be achieved? Is it even practical to slow down a craft via a laser?

 

[Rive]

The whole Star Wars universe is pretty uniform regarding propulsion (simple glowing tubes) and FTL (zooooooming away in the right moment), what is kind of great for this kind of drama-centered universe, since you are free to spend more effort on the story instead. Just leave it like that.

However, there are precedents for small, isolated systems which had no (previous) connection to the rest of the universe developing unique technology over time (for the shock of the visitors). If you insist on introducing something new, you can try it that way.