Advances in space power research and technology at the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationProgress and plans in various areas of the NASA Space Power Program are discussed. Solar cell research is narrowed to GaAs, multibandgap, and thin Si cells for arrays in planar and concentrator configurations, with further work to increase cell efficiency, radiation hardness, develop flexible encapsulants, and reduce cost. Electrochemical research is concentrating on increasing energy and power density, cycle and wet stand life, reliability and cost reduction of batteries. Further development of the Ni-H2 battery and O2-H2 fuel cell to multihundred kW with a 5 year life and 30,000 cycles is noted. Basic research is ongoing for alkali metal anodes for high energy density secondary cells. Nuclear thermoelectric propulsion is being developed for outer planets exploration propulsion systems, using Si-Ge generators, and studies with rare earth chalcogenides and sulfides are mentioned. Power Systems Management seeks to harmonize increasing power supply levels with inner and outer spacecraft environments, circuits, demands, and automatic monitoring. Concomitant development of bipolar transistors, an infrared rectenna, spacecraft charging measurement, and larger heat pipe transport capacity are noted.
Document ID
19820028220
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Mullin, J. P. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Randolph, L. P. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Hudson, W. R. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Ambrus, J. H. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Meeting Information
Meeting: In: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference