Comparative analysis of the space power architecture studies

The Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO) has recently completed the initial phase of Space Power Architecture Studies (SPAS). The initial effort consisted of three major contracted efforts and a comparative analysis performed by the SDIO Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) and the IEG Field Support Team. The purpose of the SPAS effort was to evaluate a wide range of power systems for SDIO applications using a wide range of attributes other than power-system mass and volume. Open cycle, closed cycle, and closed power system/weapon platform concepts were studied. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the salient results of these studies, identify important trends and future study needs.