Development of Large Structures in Space Using the Magnetically Inflated Cable (MIC) System
- Paper number
IAC-06-D1.2.09
- Author
Dr. James Powell, Plus Ultra Technologies, Inc., United States
- Coauthor
Dr. George Maise, Plus Ultra Technologies, Inc., United States
- Coauthor
Dr. John Rather, Plus Ultra Technologies, Inc., United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Large scale, very lightweight structures can be erected in space using self-deploying assemblies of superconducting (SC) cables and tensile tethers. In the Magnetically Inflated Cable (MIC) system, a compact package of SC cables and tethers is launched on a Delta type vehicle. Once in space, the SC cables are energized with current, and the package automatically expands into a large structure, where the outwards magnetic forces on the SC cables are restrained by tethers. Many different MIC applications are possible, including solar electric power, solar thermal propulsion, large telescopes, electric energy storage, and magnetic shielding. MIC shapes include flat discs, parabolic mirrors, and linear loops and quadrupoles. MIC structures can be a kilometer or more in scale with very low specific weight. The MIC solar concentrator weighs only 0.2 kg per m2 of surface area. The MIC cables use high temperature superconductors (HTS) to minimize refrigeration power. Candidate HTS conductors are evaluated, including BSCCO, YBCO, which can operate with liquid N2 coolant at 77 K, and MgB2 at 20 K. Present engineering current densities are ~105 amp/cm2, with ~3x105 amp/cm2 anticipated in the near future. The design and performance capabilities of MIC cables are described as a function of current and operating conditions. A 5 cm diameter MIC cable would carry 500,000 Amps. A 1 kilometer length of cable would weight only 3 metric tons, including SC, insulation, coolant circuits and refrigerator, and fit into a 3 cubic meter package. In space at 1 AU, ~2 kW(e) of refrigeration power would be required. MIC cables contain many multiple independent circuits; if some fail, current is transferred by magnetic induction to the remaining circuits. MIC cables can carry millions of amps. Baseline designs are described for 4 MIC applications: 1) 1 MW(e) solar electric system for a manned lunar base; 2) 2 Gigajoule electric storage systems for the lunar base; 3) 10 MW(th) solar thermal propulsion system with H2 propellant; and 4) 100 meter diameter space telescope. The diameters of the MIC structure for the above applications range from 70 to 100 meters, depending on application.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-D1.2.09.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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