Feasibility of Large High-Powered Solar Electric Propulsion Vehicles: Issues and Solutions

Human exploration beyond low Earth orbit will require the use of enabling technologies that are efficient, affordable, and reliable. Solar electric propulsion (SEP) has been proposed by NASA s Human Exploration Framework Team as an option to achieve human exploration missions to near Earth objects (...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNASA Center for AeroSpace Information (CASI). Reports
Main Authors Capadona, Lynn A, Woytach, Jeffrey M, Kerslake, Thomas W, Manzella, David H, Christie, Robert J, Hickman, Tyler A, Schneidegger, Robert J, Hoffman, David J, Klem, Mark D
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published Hampton NASA/Langley Research Center 01.02.2012
Subjects
Exploration
Feasibility
Low earth orbits
Missions
Near-Earth Objects
Organic chemistry
Propellant management
Solar electric propulsion
Trip generation
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Summary:Human exploration beyond low Earth orbit will require the use of enabling technologies that are efficient, affordable, and reliable. Solar electric propulsion (SEP) has been proposed by NASA s Human Exploration Framework Team as an option to achieve human exploration missions to near Earth objects (NEOs) because of its favorable mass efficiency as compared to traditional chemical systems. This paper describes the unique challenges and technology hurdles associated with developing a large high-power SEP vehicle. A subsystem level breakdown of factors contributing to the feasibility of SEP as a platform for future exploration missions to NEOs is presented including overall mission feasibility, trip time variables, propellant management issues, solar array power generation, array structure issues, and other areas that warrant investment in additional technology or engineering development.