Technology Options for Space Missions in the Inner Solar System

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