Cost-effective technology advancement directions for electric propulsion transportation systems in earth-orbital missionsThis paper presents the results of a study to determine the directions that electric propulsion technology should take to meet the primary propulsion requirements for earth-orbital missions of the next three decades in the most cost-effective manner. Discussed are the mission set requirements, state-of-the-art electric propulsion technology and the baseline system characterized by it, adequacy of the baseline system to meet the mission set requirements, cost-optimum electric propulsion system characteristics for the mission set, and sensitivities of mission costs and design points to system-level electric propulsion parameters. It is found that the efficiency-specific impulse characteristic generally has a more significant impact on overall costs than specific masses or costs of propulsion and power systems.
Document ID
19800036791
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Regetz, J. D., Jr. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Terwilliger, C. H., Jr. (Boeing Aerospace Co. Seattle, Wash., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1979
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 79-2043
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Electric Propulsion Conference