Electric propulsion (EP) thruster technology, with efficient lightweight power systems can provide substantial reductions in propulsion system wet mass due to the high specific impulse (Isp) of the thrusters. The objective of this paper is to show the impact of current power system technology on EP mission performance and determine what technology advancements are needed to make EP beneficial for earth orbital applications. The approach of the paper is to model the electric propulsion system and orbital mission using a partial parametric method. Various missions are analyzed from orbit maintenance to orbit transfer. Results portray the relationship between mission performance and power technology level. Conclusions show which mission applications currently have acceptable power technology, and which mission applications require power technology improvements.
Influence of Power System Technology on Electric Propulsion Missions
1995
11 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Electric & Ion Propulsion , Rocket Engines & Motors , Miscellaneous Energy Conversion & Storage , Space Launch Vehicles & Support Equipment , Unmanned Spacecraft , Manned Spacecraft , Spacecraft power supplies , Electric propulsion , Earth orbital environments , Photovoltaic conversion , Propulsion system performance , Photovoltaic cells , Specific impulse , Low earth orbits , Propulsive efficiency , Rocket thrust , Orbit transfer vehicles , Orbital servicing , Transfer orbits , Earth orbital rendezvous , Mathematical models
Influence of Power System Technology on Electric Propulsion Missions
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994
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