Experimental Solar Electric Propulsion Vehicle (X-SEP)
Abstract
The X-SEP program will mature the technologies for advanced solar electric propulsion to support a wide range of future DOD missions. Past DOD and NASA efforts have identified and begun maturing critical enabling technologies including light weight and high power solar arrays, advanced solar cells, efficient deployment mechanisms, power management and distribution; and advanced electric propulsion concepts. A critically important technology gap is integration into a flight demonstration able to survive in the harsh radiation and thermal space environments. The X-SEP program will mature and validate key technologies on the ground, then fabricate a deep space X-Satellite to demonstrate: 1) a space qualified power system 1/3 the weight of anything ever flown 2) electric propulsion thrust over input power greater than 90 mN/KW, and 3) modular power scaleable to over 1 MW. A key goal is validating the critical technologies for a wide range of next generation high power space systems including highly survivable early missile warning sensors; space situational awareness; efficient on-orbit robotic servicing; new technical approaches for space based radar; next generation high power communications; and dynamic near continuous maneuvering for survivable information, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) orbital missions. The anticipated transition partner is the Air Force with potential follow-on transitions to NASA and/or the commercial sector.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Source ID
- 6e801b159fd314896e79de50dd156d15