Concept Design of High Power Solar Electric Propulsion Vehicles for Human Exploration
- Paper number
IAC-11,D2,3,5,x11933
- Author
Mr. David Hoffman, NASA Glenn Research Center, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Harry A. Cikanek, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Mark Klem, NASA Glenn Research Center, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. James Free, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States
- Year
2011
- Abstract
Human exploration beyond low earth orbit will require the use of enabling capabilities that are efficient, affordable and reliable. Solar electric propulsion has been proposed by NASA’s Human Exploration Framework Team as one option to achieve human exploration missions to beyond earth orbit exploration because of its favorable mass efficiency as compared to traditional chemical systems. This paper describes the unique challenges and hurdles associated with developing a large high-power SEP vehicle, and design concepts that have potential to meet those challenges. A subsystem level breakdown of factors contributing to the feasibility of SEP as a platform for future exploration missions is presented. Overall concepts, trip times, design tradeoffs, and pathways to achieve development readiness are discussed.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-11,D2,3,5,x11933.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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