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Title: Solar electric propulsion for Mars transport vehicles

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5719716

Solar electric propulsion (SEP) is an alternative to chemical and nuclear powered propulsion systems for both piloted and unpiloted Mars transport vehicles. Photovoltaic solar cell and array technologies were evaluated as components of SEP power systems. Of the systems considered, the SEP power system composed of multijunction solar cells in an ENTECH domed fresnel concentrator array had the least array mass and area. Trip times to Mars optimized for minimum propellant mass were calculated. Additionally, a preliminary vehicle concept was designed.

Research Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (USA). Lewis Research Center
OSTI ID:
5719716
Report Number(s):
N-91-19178; NASA-TM-103234; E-5654; NAS-1.15:103234
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English