Gen Inoue

National Institute for Environmental Studies

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Gen Inoue is a pioneering researcher in laser propulsion, whose work bridges the gap between micro-scale engineering and space exploration. His primary research areas include laser-driven vehicles, ablative propulsion systems, and fluid dynamics under extreme energy deposition. Inoue’s most significant contributions center on demonstrating the feasibility of laser-supported propulsion for micro-airplanes, particularly through the innovative use of water-covered ablators. His 2002 and 2003 papers, which have collectively garnered over 35 citations, experimentally validated the repetitive use of overlay structures with specially designed water supply systems—a critical step toward sustainable, reusable propulsion. By combining CIP-based hydrodynamic simulations with hands-on experiments, Inoue systematically investigated various transparent overlays to optimize thrust and efficiency. His work is notable for its interdisciplinary approach, merging laser physics, materials science, and aerospace engineering. Inoue’s research not only advances inner-space applications like micro-aerial vehicles but also lays foundational groundwork for outer-space laser propulsion, offering a vision of lightweight, remotely powered spacecraft. His achievements continue to inspire researchers exploring novel propulsion paradigms.