Human exploration beyond low Earth orbit will require enabling capabilities that are efficient, affordable and reliable. Solar electric propulsion (SEP) has been proposed by NASA s Human Exploration Framework Team as one option to achieve human exploration missions beyond Earth orbit because of its favorable mass efficiency compared to traditional chemical propulsion systems. This paper describes the unique challenges associated with developing a large-scale high-power (300-kWe class) SEP vehicle and design concepts that have potential to meet those challenges. An assessment of factors at the subsystem level that must be considered in developing an SEP vehicle for future exploration missions is presented. Overall concepts, design tradeoffs and pathways to achieve development readiness are discussed.


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    Title :

    Concept Design of High Power Solar Electric Propulsion Vehicles for Human Exploration



    Conference:

    62nd International Astronautical Congress ; 2011 ; Cape Town, South Africa


    Publication date :

    2011-12-01


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English







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