Advanced Space Propulsion‐Investigation Committee (ASPIC) of the Japan Society for Aeronautics and Space Sciences (JSASS) selected the Laser Orbital Transfer Vehicle (LOTV) project for development of non‐chemical space propulsion systems that have a capability to sustain expanded human space activities in the 21st century. This talk is presenting an analysis of the laser propulsion researches made within the frames of the ISTC Project &mesh; 1801 as applied to the LOTV Project. The study includes the development of techniques for low‐thrust maneuvers of the spacecraft to achieve geostationary orbits. © 2004 American Institute of Physics