This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Energy Requirements for the Space Frontier
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
The future appears rich in missions that will extend the frontiers of knowledge, human presence in space, and opportunities for profitable commerce. Key to success of these ventures is the availability of plentiful, cost effective electric power and assured, low cost access to space. While forecasts of space power needs are problematic, an assessment of future needs based on terrestrial experience has been made. These needs fall into three broad categories survival, self sufficiency and industrialization. The cost of delivering payloads to orbital locations from LEO to Mars has been determined and future launch cost reductions projected. From these factors, then, projections of the performance necessary for future solar and nuclear space power options has been made. These goals are largely dependent upon orbital location and energy storage needs. Finally the cost of present space power systems has been determined and projections made for future systems.
Authors
Topic
Citation
Brandhorst, H., "Energy Requirements for the Space Frontier," SAE Technical Paper 912064, 1991, https://doi.org/10.4271/912064.Also In
References
- Energy Statistics Yearbook 1985 United Nations, NY 10017
- Friedlander A. SAIC