Place of solar thermal rockets in space
The harnessing of sunlight for propulsive energy is a recurring theme in space propulsion, particularly for applications requiring large velocity increments, such as planetary exploration or comet rendezvous. Characteristically, it is viewed in terms of the solar sail and the solar cell, but for operations in Earth orbit these approaches are less desirable because the very low thrust leads to undesirably long maneuver times. Thrust levels several orders of magnitude higher are available with solar thermal rockets, while preserving a specific impulse advantage over chemical systems. The performance advantages, penalties, technological problems, and approaches were examined for solar thermal rockets. Its suitability in several Earth orbit missions is assessed. The peculiarities of vehicle design, the nature of the thruster and the solar concentrator are presented, and AF plans to implement the development of solar rockets are outlined.
- Research Organization:
- Air Force Rocket Propulsion Lab., Edwards AFB, CA (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6536738
- Report Number(s):
- N-82-25164
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140909* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Miscellaneous Solar Applications-- (1980-)
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
MIRRORS
POWER PLANTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
ROCKET ENGINES
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANTS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
THERMAL POWER PLANTS