Title :
Technology Options for Space Missions in the Inner Solar System
Author :
Macellari, Michele ; Russo, Raffaele ; Schirone, Luigi
Author_Institution :
Dipt. di Ingegneria Aerospaziale e Astronautica, Univ. degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Univ., Rome
Abstract :
A special architecture for photovoltaic generation of electricity is presented, intended to satisfy the variable power demands of a space mission to the inner solar system, with an orbiting phase around Mercury. The novel concept lies in the combination of a plain solar array with a linear concentration system to be used only during the high-power-low-irradiation cruise phase and to be stripped off when approaching to Mercury. Primary constraints about solar array design are discussed with regards to the harsh environmental conditions along the mission and to the need of great amounts of power for electric propulsion
Keywords :
Mercury (planet); environmental factors; photovoltaic power systems; solar cell arrays; solar system; space power generation; Mercury; electric propulsion; electricity generation; harsh environmental condition; high-power-low-irradiation; inner solar system; linear concentration system; orbiting phase; photovoltaic generation; solar array design; space missions; Fixtures; Phased arrays; Photovoltaic cells; Power demand; Propulsion; Solar power generation; Solar system; Space missions; Space technology; Temperature;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, Conference Record of the 2006 IEEE 4th World Conference on
Conference_Location :
Waikoloa, HI
Print_ISBN :
1-4244-0017-1
Electronic_ISBN :
1-4244-0017-1
DOI :
10.1109/WCPEC.2006.279886