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Beamed microwave power transmission and its application to spaceThe general principles and special components of beamed microwave power transmission systems are outlined and their application to the space program are discussed. The beamed system is defined as starting with a dc source of power at the transmitting end, converting it to a microwave beam for transmission through space, and ending with the dc power output at the receiving end. An experimentally measured and certified dc-to-dc efficiency of 54 percent has been achieved, using this definition. The application discussed is that of a LEO to GEO transportation system that depends upon vehicles propelled by electric thrusters whose power is supplied by a microwave beam originating at the earth's surface. The advantages of the all-electronic system over a chemically propelled system are enumerated. The principles of space propulsion, particularly as they relate to electric propulsion, are outlined. Key components of the system and environmental considerations are discussed.
Document ID
19920063432
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Brown, William C.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Eves, E. E.
(Raytheon Co., Industrial Equipment Group, Waltham MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques
Volume: 40
Issue: 6, Ju
ISSN: 0018-9480
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Accession Number
92A46056
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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