Mission analyses indicate there are several near-term interplanetary missions that cannot be performed with any degree of sophistication without electric propulsion. Cost and performance benefits are suggested when this same technology is included in the Shuttle-based earth-orbital transportation system. Specific earth-orbital payload programs gain from increased weight allowances, decreased costs through simplification, and reduced numbers of spacecraft due to on-orbit servicing. More ambitious mission planners looking toward space industrialization will find uses ranging from GSO debris clearance to a versatile support element for a multipurpose manned space station.


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    Title :

    The ubiquitous solar electric propulsion stage


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    International Astronautical Congress ; 1976 ; Anaheim, CA


    Publication date :

    1976-10-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Solar Electric Propulsion Stage design

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