University role in astronaut life support systems: Space power supply systems

A brief description is given of the schemes suggested for providing electrical power aboard spacecraft. An attempt was made to list the major advantages and disadvantages of each scheme and to identify the particular areas in which it appears likely further research work may prove fruitful. Special attention was given to those research areas that appear suitable for colleges and university work. Chemical, solar, and nuclear power sources are considered together with the appropriate thermoelectric and turboelectric conversion systems.