Earth orbital assessment of solar electric and solar sail propulsion systems
Abstract
The earth orbital applications potential of Solar Electric (Ion Drive) and Solar Sail low-thrust propulsion systems are evaluated. Emphasis is placed on mission application in the 1980s. The two low-thrust systems are compared with each other and with two chemical propulsion Shuttle upper stages (the IUS and SSUS) expected to be available in the 1980s. The results indicate limited Earth orbital application potential for the low-thrust systems in the 1980s (primarily due to cost disadvantages). The longer term potential is viewed as more promising. Of the two systems, the Ion Drive exhibits better performance and appears to have better overall application potential.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- September 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977STIN...7917898T
- Keywords:
-
- Artificial Satellites;
- Ion Propulsion;
- Propulsion System Performance;
- Solar Electric Propulsion;
- Solar Sails;
- Low Thrust Propulsion;
- Propulsive Efficiency;
- Solar Energy;
- Technology Assessment;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles