Gyrotrons now used for nuclear fusion experiments are a possibile source for beamed energy electro‐thermal propulsion. Water vapor absorption is likely to bar 1 THz. transmission through the atmosphere. A space‐based source in low equatorial orbit offers beamed energy velocity increments for upper stage orbit insertion. Transfer orbits to geosynchronous and lunar destinations and escape velocities to Mars and Venus are considered. Rapid acceleration (1 g) at high specific impulse implies very high source power and mass. Altitudes for BEP source satellites are in 600 to 800 kilometer range, set by atmospheric drag and avoidance of van Allen belt. Earth oblateness plus lunar and solar tidal forces are important factors governing source orbit selection and maintenance.


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    Title :

    One THz. Beamed Energy — Mission Capabilities


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    BEAMED ENERGY PROPULSION: Third International Symposium on Beamed Energy Propulsion ; 2004 ; Troy, New York (USA)


    Published in:

    AIP Conference Proceedings ; 766 , 1 ; 308-319


    Publication date :

    2005-04-27


    Size :

    12 pages





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



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