Probably the most important factor in deciding the viability of future space projects will be the cost of transportation. This is particularly true of those missions catagorised as 'space industrialisation', which include plans to place massive solar power satellites in geostationary orbit. Although a major proportion of the transportation costs can be attributed to the initial stage of reaching low earth orbit, in many cases the expense of transferring cargoes and personnel to outer orbits will be crucial. This paper reviews the technological options available for this second stage, with emphasis on large, long-term projects, such as solar power satellites. It is concluded that chemical propulsion systems will be needed for the transfer of personnel, but that the high specific impulse offered by electric propulsion provides an enormous economic advantage for the movement of non-priority cargo. (Author)


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite





    Orbit Transfer Rocket Engine Technology Program

    N. B. Gustafson / T. J. Harmon | NTIS | 1993


    A review of aeroassisted orbit transfer

    Walberg, G. D. | NTRS | 1982