AN ANALYSIS OF LOW ORBITAL DRAG CONSTRAINTS OF ORBIT- AND SUN-ORIENTED SOLAR-CELL ARRAYS,
Abstract
A comparison of orbit- and sun-oriented solar-cell-array concepts to produce space power in low-earth orbits has been conducted. Results obtained show that aerodynamic drag penalties as large as 9100 pounds/kilowatt for a one-year mission may be encountered. The contribution of a drag makeup system to the total system specific weight for an orbit- or sun-oriented array is negligible above 250 and 375 nautical miles respectively. Below 185 nautical miles and for a mission duration of one year, the orbit-oriented array concept is more desirable from a weight standpoint. The study has included only the effects of aerodynamic drag. The drag makeup system consists of propulsive devices and storage tanks. For each concept the total system includes drag makeup, batteries, and solar-cell array. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 17, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0658453
Entities
People
- Paul W. Lauderback
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory