The work deals with the laser application for extending the life‐time of small‐scale satellites launched with lasers into a low‐altitude earth orbit. The required laser powers and the substance for laser ablation are discussed. It is demonstrated that for lack of needed laser ablation substance on the satellite higher requirements are imposed on the velocity of laser ablation products exhaust . As a result, the laser power consumption prove to be higher than in optimal (on laser energy expenses) conditions of acceleration of a moving body. At the same time the high laser energy consumption can be quite justified by extension of the operation time of high‐cost equipment on the satellite. © 2004 American Institute of Physics