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A new Space Station power systemA new concept for a Space Station power system is proposed which reduces the drag effect of the solar panels and eliminates eclipsing by the Earth. The solar generator is physically separated from the Space Station, and power transmitted to the station by a microwave beam. The power station can thus be placed high enough that drag is not a significant factor. For a resonant orbit where the ratio of periods s:p is a ratio of odd integers, and the orbital planes nearly perpendicular, an orbit can be chosen such that the line of sight is never blocked if the lower orbit has an altitude greater than calculatable mininum. For the 1:3 resonance, this minimum altitude is 0.5 r(e). Finally, by placing the power station into a sun-synchronous orbit, it can be made to avoid shadowing by the Earth, thus providing continuous power.
Document ID
19890032645
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Landis, Geoffrey A.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH; Brown University, Providence, RI, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1988
Publication Information
Publication: Acta Astronautica
Volume: 17
ISSN: 0094-5765
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Accession Number
89A20016
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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