NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Solar concentrators for space processing applicationsA study on the technological feasibility of using solar concentrators for crystal growth and zone refining in space has been performed. Previous studies related to the many aspects of the problem are reviewed. It was concluded from this effort that the technology for fabricating, orbiting, and deploying large solar concentrators has been developed. It was also concluded that the technological feasibility of space processing materials in the focal region of a solar concentrator depends primarily on two factors: (1) the ability of a solar concentrator to provide sufficient thermal energy for the process and (2) the ability of a solar concentrator to provide a thermal environment that is conducive to the processes of interest. The study indicates that solar concentrators of reasonable dimensions can satisfactorily provide both of these factors. This study also indicates that solar concentrators are attractive for space processing from the viewpoint of system specific power and system flexibility.
Document ID
19750049681
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mcdermit, J. H.
(Lockheed Research and Engineering Center Huntsville, Ala., United States)
Ruff, R. C.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Space Sciences Laboratory, Huntsville, Ala., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1975
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 75-698
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Thermophysics Conference
Location: Denver, CO
Start Date: May 27, 1975
End Date: May 29, 1975
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Accession Number
75A33753
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available