NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
The effect of technology advancements on the comparative advantages of electric versus chemical propulsion for a large cargo orbit transfer vehicleTechniques for sizing electrically or chemically propelled orbit transfer vehicles and analyzing fleet requirements are used in a comparative analysis of the two concepts for various levels of traffic to geosynchronous orbit. The vehicle masses, fuel requirements, and fleet sizes are determined and translated into launch vehicle payload requirements. Technology projections beyond normal growth are made and their effect on the comparative advantages of the concepts is determined. A preliminary cost analysis indicates that although electric propulsion greatly reduces launch vehicle requirements substantial improvements in the cost and reusability of power systems must occur to make an electrically propelled vehicle competitive.
Document ID
19780048857
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rehder, J. J.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Wurster, K. E.
(NASA Langley Research Center Space Systems Div., Hampton, Va., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1978
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 78-696
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Electric Propulsion Conference
Location: San Diego, CA
Country: US
Start Date: April 25, 1978
End Date: April 27, 1978
Sponsors: Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Accession Number
78A32766
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

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