The harnessing of sunlight for propulsive energy is a recurring theme in space propulsion, particularly for applications requiring large velocity increments, such as planetary exploration or comet rendezvous. Characteristically, it is viewed in terms of the solar sail and the solar cell; but for operations in earth orbit these approaches are less desirable because the very low thrust leads to undesirably long maneuver times. Thrust levels several orders of magnitude higher are available with solar-thermal rockets, while preserving a specific impulse advantage over chemical systems. The performance advantages, penalties, technological problems, and approaches are examined for solar thermal rockets. Its suitability in several earth orbit missions is assessed. The peculiarities of vehicle. design, the nature of the thruster and the solar concentrator are presented, and AF plans to implement the development of solar rockets are outlined.
Place of Solar Thermal Rockets in Space
1981
25 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
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