European Options for Power Systems for Space Exploration Missions
- Paper number
IAC-06-C3.4.-D3.4.01
- Author
Dr. Leopold Summerer, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Europe has excelled in pushing the limits of space missions relying on photovoltaic power systems. The Rosetta spacecraft currently on its way to Jupiter is the most distant solely solar powered spacecraft. Beagle would have been the first Martian lander powered by solar power alone, even for its thermal system. Based on current physics knowledge, some types of missions are however enabled only by the use of nuclear power systems. ESA has used radioisotope heater units and thermoelectric generators on two cooperative missions with NASA: the Ulysses and Cassini/Huygens missions. For both missions, the nuclear systems were entirely taken care of by the US partners and both spacecraft were launched on US launchers from US territory. With European ambitions for space exploration reaching further and increased emphasis of independence, a trade-off between several aspects related to the use of nuclear power sources and unconventional potential alternatives will be required. The present paper discusses these options.
- Abstract document