Application of Solar-Electric Propulsion to Robotic Missions in Near-Earth Space | Zendy

Gordon Woodcock | Zendy; John Dankanich | Zendy

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Application of Solar-Electric Propulsion to Robotic Missions in Near-Earth Space

Author(s) -

Gordon Woodcock,

John Dankanich

Publication year - 2007

Publication title -

aip conference proceedings

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Conference proceedings

SCImago Journal Rank - 0.177

H-Index - 75

eISSN - 1551-7616

pISSN - 0094-243X

DOI - 10.1063/1.2437457

Subject(s) - propulsion , electrically powered spacecraft propulsion , aerospace engineering , in space propulsion technologies , ion thruster , space exploration , thrust , astrobiology , aeronautics , environmental science , engineering , physics

Interest in applications of solar electric propulsion (SEP) is increasing. Application of SEP technology is favored when: (1) the mission is compatible with low‐thrust propulsion, (2) the mission needs high total delta V such that chemical propulsion is disadvantaged; and (3) performance enhancement is needed. If all such opportunities for future missions are considered, many uses of SEP are likely. Representative missions are surveyed and several SEP applications selected for analysis, including orbit raising, lunar science and robotic exploration, and planetary science. These missions span SEP power range from 10 kWe to about 100 kWe. A SEP design compatible with small inexpensive launch vehicles, and capable of lunar science missions, is presented. Modes of use and benefits are described, and potential SEP evolution is discussed.

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