Solar electric propulsion (SEP) is an alternative to chemical and nuclear powered propulsion systems for both piloted and unpiloted Mars transport vehicles. Photovoltaic solar cell and array technologies were evaluated as components of SEP power systems. Of the systems considered, the SEP power system composed of multijunction solar cells in an ENTECH domed fresnel concentrator array had the least array mass and area. Trip times to Mars optimized for minimum propellant mass were calculated. Additionally, a preliminary vehicle concept was designed.
Solar Electric Propulsion for MARS Transport Vehicles
1990
17 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Extraterrestrial Exploration , Manned Spacecraft , Unmanned Spacecraft , Combustion, Engines, & Propellants , Ion engines , Mars probes , Propulsion system configurations , Solar cells , Solar electric propulsion , Transport vehicles , Orbit transfer vehicles , Power conditioning , Propulsion system performance , Spacecraft power supplies
Solar Electric Propulsion for Mars Transport Vehicles
NTRS | 1990
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