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Solar Electric Power System Analyses for Mars Surface MissionsThe electric power system is a crucial element of any architecture supporting human surface exploration of Mars. In this paper, we describe the conceptual design and detailed analysis of solar electric power system using photovoltaics and regenerative fuel cells to provide surface power on Mars. System performance, mass and deployed area predictions are discussed along with the myriad environmental factors and trade study results that helped to guide system design choices. Based on this work, we have developed a credible solar electric power option that satisfies the surface power requirements of a human Mars mission. The power system option described in this paper has a mass of approximately 10 metric tons, a approximately 5000-sq m deployable photovoltaic array using thin film solar cell technology.
Document ID
19990063893
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Kerslake, Thomas W.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Kohout, Lisa L.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1999
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.15:209288
E-11758
NASA/TM-1999-209288
SAE-99-01-2482
Meeting Information
Meeting: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Country: Canada
Start Date: August 1, 1999
End Date: August 5, 1999
Sponsors: Society of Automotive Engineers
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 632-1A-1X
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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