A method for comparison of technologies for orbital transfer
Abstract
Techniques necessary to compare and evaluate proposed orbital transfer systems are examined. The derivation of a formula for the break-even price for the operation of an OTV from LEO to GEO is presented. The formula assumes the subsystems of the OTVs are independent, and considers the cost of the vehicle, maintenance cost, and the efficiency and configuration of the vehicle. The expressions for calculating the break-even price for aerobraked and nonaerobraked systems are given. The equations allow for the comparison of different propulsive systems for the OTVs; an example comparing the thrust to mass ratio for electric, chemical, and nuclear propulsion systems is provided.
- Publication:
-
Space and Solar Power Review
- Pub Date:
- 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985SSPRv...5..271R
- Keywords:
-
- Economic Analysis;
- Orbit Transfer Vehicles;
- Technology Assessment;
- Aerobraking;
- Comparison;
- Costs;
- Electric Propulsion;
- Nuclear Propulsion;
- Thrust-Weight Ratio;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles