Solar electric propulsion systems - A survey

Journal Article · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1979 · Appl. Solar Energy (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5701262

Grilikhes, V A; Zavialova, G M; Popov, L B

The Solar Electric Propulsion System (SEPS) currently under development in the United States offers several advantages as a third-stage power system for interplanetary and inter-earth-orbit flights. Its electric propulsion motors (EPM), with the relatively large specific impulse of 30,000 m/sec each, consume less propellant than do chemical rocket motors or compressed-gas engines, and constitute, with the solar batteries, 50% of the SEPS dry mass. Outfitted with 8-10 energy converters with attainable efficiency of 92%, SEPS is being considered for missions that range from the transport of payloads to geosynchronous orbit to an interplanetary rendezvous with Halley's Comet. The paper also presents configuration options and subsystem parameters.

• OSTI ID: 5701262
• Journal Information: Appl. Solar Energy (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Solar Energy (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 16; ISSN ASOEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
NASA
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POWER SUPPLIES
PROPULSION
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
US ORGANIZATIONS