Preliminary comparison of laser and solar space power systemsFour laser receiver systems are compared to onboard solar photovoltaic power generation for spacecraft electrical requirements. The laser photovoltaic and laser MHD receivers were found to be lighter than a comparable planar solar photovoltaic system. The laser receiver also shows less drag at lower altitudes. Panel area is also reduced for the laser receiver allowing fewer Shuttle trips for construction. Finally, it is shown that a 1 megawatt laser and receiver system might be constructed with less weight than a comparable planar solar photovoltaic system.
Document ID
19840047324
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Deyoung, R. J. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Tepper, W. D. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Conway, E. J. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Humes, D. H. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)