NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Solar Versus Fission Surface Power for MarsA multi-discipline team of experts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) developed Mars surface power system point design solutions for two conceptual missions to Mars using In-situ resource utilization (ISRU). The primary goal of this study was to compare the relative merits of solar- versus fission-powered versions of each surface mission. First, the team compared three different solar-power options against a fission power system concept for a sub-scale, uncrewed demonstration mission. This “pathfinder” design utilized a 4.5 meter diameter lander. Its primary mission would be to demonstrate Mars entry, descent, and landing techniques. Once on the Martian surface, the lander’s ISRU payload would demonstrate liquid oxygen propellant production from atmospheric resources. For the purpose of this exercise, location was assumed to be at the Martian equator. The three solar concepts considered included a system that only operated during daylight hours (at roughly half the daily propellant production rate of a round-the-clock fission design), a battery-augmented system that operated through the night (matching the fission concept’s propellant production rate), and a system that operated only during daylight, but at a higher rate (again, matching the fission concept’s propellant production rate). Including 30% mass growth allowance, total payload masses for the three solar concepts ranged from 1,128 to 2,425 kg, versus the 2,751 kg fission power scheme. However, solar power masses increase as landing sites are selected further from the equator, making landing site selection a key driver in the final power system decision. The team also noted that detailed reliability analysis should be performed on daytime-only solar power schemes to assess potential issues with frequent ISRU system on/off cycling.
Document ID
20160010550
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rucker, Michelle A.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Oleson, Steve
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
George, Pat
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Landis, Geoffrey A.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Fincannon, James
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Bogner, Amee
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Jones, Robert E.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Turnbull, Elizabeth
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
McNatt, Jeremiah
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Martini, Michael C.
(ZIN Technologies, Inc. Middleburg Heights, OH, United States)
Gyekenyesi, John Z.
(ZIN Technologies, Inc. Middleburg Heights, OH, United States)
Colozza, Anthony J.
(Vantage Partners, LLC Brook Park, OH, United States)
Schmitz, Paul C.
(Vantage Partners, LLC Brook Park, OH, United States)
Packard, Thomas W.
(Vantage Partners, LLC Brook Park, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2016
Publication Date
September 13, 2016
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-37351
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA Space 2016
Location: Long Beach, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: September 13, 2016
End Date: September 16, 2016
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
No Preview Available