The paper examines recent developments in solar array and ion propulsion systems which make possible the utilization of readily available solar energy for spacecraft propulsion and operation. The Solar Electric Propulsion System (SEPS) stage represents a substantial increase in capability to perform interplanetary and earth orbiting missions due to the combination of high performance and low thrust. SEPS is an important augmentation to the Space Transportation System (STS) for numerous earth orbit missions because it can deliver a greatly increased total satellite mass to a geosynchronous orbit or greatly increase the on-orbit delta V capability.


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    Title :

    Solar electric propulsion - A versatile stage for earth orbiting missions


    Contributors:
    Smith, D. D. (author) / Webb, E. D. (author)

    Conference:

    Symposium on Shuttle/Spacelab - The New Transportation System and its Utilization ; 1980 ; Hanover


    Publication date :

    1980-04-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English