The concept of solar thermal propulsion (STP) has been around for many years. One approach, shown in Figure 1, uses an off-axis parabolic concentrator mirror like a large magnifying glass to focus the sun's energy and heat-working fluid such as hydrogen to very high temperatures (3,000 K). The hydrogen is then expelled through a nozzle to produce thrust. This innovative concept is predicted to have twice the specific impulse of currently used chemical upper stage propulsion systems, and can therefore place twice the payload mass into geosynchronous orbit. Alternatively, smaller and cheaper launch vehicles can be used for the same payload size. The main drawback is the low thrust level of 0.1 to 10 lb, thus requiring trip times of 30-60 days. However, many payloads can tolerate longer trip times.
Focus Control System for Solar Thermal Propulsion
2000
12 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Miscellaneous Energy Conversion & Storage , Electric & Ion Propulsion , Rocket Engines & Motors , Astronautics , Propulsion systems , Solar energy , Inflatable structures , Thermal propulsion systems , Low power , Control systems , Payload , High temperature , Hydrogen , Focusing , Thrusters , Launch vehicles , Specific impulse , Magnification , Synchronous satellites , Sunlight , Stp(Solar thermal propulsion) , Solar thermal propulsion , Parabolic concentrator , Inflatable space structures , Inflatable solar concentrators , Sotv(Solar orbit transfer vehicle)