Inflatable Concentrators for Solar Thermal Propulsion

Abstract

A solar thermal propulsion system with inflatable solar concentrators was originally described by Eliricke in 1956. This concept was further defined by Electro-Optical Systems, Inc. during the 1960's and by Rockwell International in 1979. The Solar Powered Rocket Engine is expected to produce specific impulses of i 900 to 1200 seconds. This is over two to three times that of conventional liquid hydrogenloxygen engines. This performance would significantly improve travel from low earth orbit to geostationary earth orbit and other planets.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA412158

Entities

People

  • Paul A. Gierow
  • William R. Clayton

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Coatings
  • Earth Orbits
  • Environment
  • Fabrication
  • Films
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Membranes
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Shape
  • Solar Propulsion
  • Solar Rockets
  • Spray Forming
  • Thermal Propulsion Systems
  • Thin Films

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

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