Alternate Propulsion Energy Sources
Abstract
This report contains a summary of the non-proprietary technical results of the referenced contract. The objective of the contract was to survey the entire field of advanced propulsion to uncover and carry out a technical assessment of any concept that showed promise of leading to a major advance in available energy sources for space power and propulsion in the next century. In general, any concept that might derive energy from the space environment was to be considered, as well as any unconventional methods of storing energy in a compact form that may have applicability to space power and propulsion. In Phase I, 64 concepts were uncovered and preliminary technical assessments were carried out on 28 of the more promising concepts. For Phase 2, it was recommended that further studies be carried out on solid metastable helium, solar heated plasmas, perforated solar sails, and antiproton annihilation propulsion. Of these, the Air Force selected two concepts to receive the major portion of the Phase 2 effort, solar heated plasmas and antiproton annihilation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADB088771
Entities
People
- R. L. Forward