Interest in applications of solar electric propulsion (SEP) is increasing. Application of SEP technology is favored when: (1) the mission is compatible with low-thrust propulsion, (2) the mission needs high total delta V such that chemical propulsion is disadvantaged; and (3) performance enhancement is needed. If all such opportunities for future missions are considered, many uses of SEP are likely. Representative missions are surveyed and several SEP applications selected for analysis, including orbit raising, lunar science, lunar exploration, lunar exploitation, planetary science, and planetary exploration. These missions span SEP power range from 10s of kWe to several MWe. Modes of use and benefits are described, and potential SEP evolution is discussed.


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    Title :

    Application of Solar-Electric Propulsion to Robotic and Human Missions in Near-Earth Space


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    2006 Joint Propulsion Conference ; 2006 ; Sacramento, CA, United States


    Publication date :

    2006-07-09


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English