Solar Power Satellites - A Review of the Space Transportation Options.

Abstract

Solar power satellites, if developed, could supply a large proportion of the world's future electrical energy requirements in a safe and pollution-free manner. However, such enormous orbiting structures, with masses of up to 100000 tonnes, can only be built and operated if suitable transportation systems are provided. This Report reviews the options available for lifting both heavy payloads and personnel to low earth orbit, and from there to geostationary orbit. It is concluded that conventional launcher technology, using liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engines, should be adequate for the former task. The latter can best be accomplished using electric propulsion, with ion thrusters being the most suitable devices, owing to their high efficiency and advanced state of development. Environmental effects of such a transportation system are considered, and it is concluded that they should not prove to be unacceptable. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1980
Accession Number
ADA089526

Entities

People

  • D. G. Fearn

Organizations

  • Royal Aircraft Establishment

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Airframes
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Astronautics
  • Chemical Products
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Energy Storage
  • Energy Transfer
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Heat Energy
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Nuclear Reactors
  • Rocket Propulsion
  • Space Transportation

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Satellites