Solar Thermal Propulsion IHPRPT Demonstration Program Results
Abstract
Spacecraft powered by solar thermal propulsion engines will be able to provide the velocity change required to economically maneuver large payloads from one orbit to another or to perform interplanetary missions. This innovative concept, when applied, will double the efficiency of currently used LH2 - L02 chemical upper stages. Solar thermal propulsion uses the sun's energy to heat a low molecular weight working fluid such as hydrogen to very high temperatures (3,000K). The stored thermal energy is then converted to kinetic energy as the working fluid exits a diverging nozzle. Under Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) funding, the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) has sponsored the team of Thiokol Propulsion and SRS - Technologies to demonstrate the technological readiness and performance of an inflatable solar thermal propulsion system. This paper will address the results of this program, which includes the fabrication and thermal vacuum testing of a 4 X 6 meter inflatable flight quality solar concentrator. The program culminates in a full-up integrated proof- of-concept ground test of a direct gain solar thermal propulsion system. The results of this test will be reported. These tests will demonstrate that the technology is ready for development of flight hardware for Solar Orbital Transfer Vehicles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 04, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA410063
Entities
People
- Gregory D. Farmer
- Michael R. Holmes
- Steven R. Wassom
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory