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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

Satellite Power System (SPS) societal assessment

Construction and operation of a 60-unit (300 GW) domestic SPS over the period 2000 to 2030 would stress many segments of U.S. society. A significant commitment of resources (land, energy, materials) would be required, and a substantial proportion of them would have to be committed prior to the production of any SPS electricity. Forty-four concerns about the SPS were identified via a public outreach experiment involving 9000 individuals from three special interest organizations. The concerns focused on environmental impacts (particularly the effects of microwave radiation) and the centralizing tendency of the SPS on society.

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NASA NTRS1980

SPS antenna element evaluation

The SPS transmitting array requires an architecture which will provide a low weight, high efficiency and high structural rigidity. Waveguide slot arrays constitute the most desirable option. Consequently, such an array was chosen for the SPS. Waveguide slot arrays offer high efficiency, uniform illumination, and are fairly lightweight. Bandwidths of such arrays are narrow, typically 1/2-2%. Although this does not directly impact the SPS, which transmits power at a single frequency of 2.45 GHz, the narrow bandwidth does constrain the thermal and mechanical tolerances of the antenna. The purpose of this program is to better define the electronic aspects of an SPS specific waveguide slot array. The specific aims of the program are as follows: (1) To build a full-scale half-module, 10 stick, array, the design parameters for which are to be determined analytical considerations tempered by experimental data on a single slotted radiating stick, (2) To experimentally evaluate the completed array with respect to antenna pattern, impedance and return loss; and (3) To measure swept transmission amplitude and phase to provide a data base for design of a receiving antenna.

Lunden, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) Space Transportation Workshop Summary

Space transportation requirements are major elements in the technical and economic realization of the entire SPS concept. First, steps in enhancing the shuttle include the Titan based liquid boost module (LBM) and liquid propellant boosters (LPB) to replace the present solid rocket boosters (SRB). The next choice between new ballistic or winged boosters must still be made; as well as the choice between series (staged) and parallel operation. Entirely new vehicles of large size are required before the economic and environmental problems of the prototype, or even demonstration, SPS can be resolved. Social impacts such as noise, and atmospheric pollution, locally and in the ionosphere, must be fully addressed. Although rather advanced technology and well developed operational management is required to properly target the average cost of gross cargo payloads into LEO at 30 $ (1979)/kg for the construction of the initial SPS, the further goal for repetitive construction of 30 to 60 SPS at 15 $ (1979)/kg for all operational payloads require the use of very advanced, long lived vehicles with a sophisticated operational organization using off shore, equatorial launch sites.

Layton, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The SPS interference problem-electronic system effects and mitigation techniques

The potential for interference between solar power satellites (SPS) and other Earth satellite operations was examined along with interference problems involving specific electronic devices. Conclusions indicate that interference is likely in the 2500 MHz to 2690 MHz direct broadcast satellite band adjacent to SPS. Estimates of the adjacent channel noise from SPS in this band are as high as -124 dBc/4 kHz and -100 dBc/MHz, where dBc represents decibels relative to the total power in the fundamental. A second potential problem is the 7350 MHz, 3d harmonic from SPS that falls within the 7300 MHz to 7450 MHz space to Earth, government, satellite assignment. Catastrophic failures can be produced in integrated circuits when the microwave power levels coupled into inputs and power leads reach 1 to 100 watts. The failures are typically due to bonding wire melting, metallization failures, and junction shorting. Nondestructive interaction or interference, however, generally occurs with coupled power levels of the order of 10 milliwatts. This integration is due to the rectification of microwave energy by the numerous pn junctions within these circuits.

Juroshek, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Satellite Power System (SPS) environmental impacts, preliminary assessment

Present power plant assessment factors are used to present satellite power system (SPS) impacts. In contrast to oil, gas, nuclear and coal fueled power plants, the SPS and hydroelectric power plants produce air, water, and solid waste emissions only during the construction phase. Land use impacts result from the placement of rectennas used for microwave receiving and rectifying. Air quality impacts of the SPS resulting from the construction phase amount to 0.405 metric tons per megawatt year. Solid wastes impacts are 0.108 metric tons per year of operation. Other impacts such as those caused by heavy lift launch vehicle sites are also discussed.

Livingston, F. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Satellite Power System (SPS) military applications

The potential military role, both offensive and defensive, of a Satellite Power System (SPS) is examined. A number of potential military support possibilities are described. An SPS with military capabilities may have a strong negative impact on international relations if it is not internationalized. The SPS satellite would be vulnerable to military action of an enemy with good space capability, but would experience little or no threat from saboteurs or terrorists, except via the ground controls. The paper concludes with an outline of some of the key issues involved, and a number of recommendations for future study, including some areas for long term efforts.

Ozeroff, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study, exhibit C. Volume 1: Executive summary

The Department of Energy (DOE) is currently conducting an evaluation of approaches to provide energy to meet demands in the post-2000 time period. The Satellite Power System (SPS) is a candidate for producing significant quantities of base-load power using solar energy as the source. The SPS concept is illustrated for a solar photovoltaic concept. A satellite, located at geosynchronous orbit, converts solar energy to dc electrical energy using large solar arrays. This study is a continuing effort to provide system definition data to aid in the evaluation of the SPS concept.

Hanley, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study, exhibit C. Volume 4: Transportation analysis

This is Volume IV -Transportation Analyses, of the SPS Concept Definition Study final report as submitted by Rockwell International through the Satellite Systems Division. In addition to effort conducted in response to the NASA/MSFC Contract NAS8-32475, Exhibit C, dated March 28, 1978, company sponsored effort on a Horizontal Take-Off, Single-Stage-to-Orbit concept is included. The SPS final report will provide the NASA with additional information on the selection of a viable SPS concept and will furnish a basis for subsequent technology advancement and verification activities.

G M Hanley↗
NASA NTRS1979

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study, exhibit C. Volume 7: System/subsystem requirements data book

Volume 7 of the Satellite Power Systems (SPS) Concept Definition Study final report summarizes the basic requirements used as a guide to systems analysis and is a basis for the selection of candidate SPS point design(s). Initially, these collected data reflected the level of definition resulting from the evaluation of a broad spectrum of SPS concepts. As the various concepts matured these requirements were updated to reflect the requirements identified for the projected satellite system/subsystem point design(s). The identified subsystem/systems requirements are defined, and where appropriate, recommendations for alternate approaches which may represent improved design features are presented. A more detailed discussion of the selected point design(s) will be found in Volume 2 of this report.

Hanley, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Satellite Power System (SPS) military implications

The military implications of the reference satellite power system (SPS) were examined is well as important military related study tasks. Primary areas of investigation were the potential of the SPS as a weapon, for supporting U.S. military preparedness, and for affecting international relations. In addition, the SPS's relative vulnerability to overt military action, terrorist attacks, and sabotage was considered.

Bain, C. N.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Satellite Power System (SPS): an Overview of Prospective Organizational Structures in the Solar Satellite Field

A literature survey, interviews with acknowledged experts in the fields of organizational entities, space, solar energy, and the SPS concept, and an analysis of these inputs to identify the organizational alternatives and make judgments as to their feasibility to serve as patterns for a future SPS entity are presented. Selection and evaluation criteria were determined to include timeliness, reliability, and adequacy to contribute meaningfully to the U.S. supply; political feasibility (both national and international) and cost-effectiveness (including environmental and other external costs). Based on these criteria, four organizational alternatives are discussed which offer reasonable promise as potential options for SPS. These included three domestic alternatives and one international alternative.

Edler, H. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Satellite Power Systems (SPS): Concept development and evaluation program: Preliminary assessment

A preliminary assessment of a potential Satellite Power System (SPS) is provided. The assessment includes discussion of technical and economic feasibility; the effects of microwave power transmission beams on biological, ecological, and electromagnetic systems; the impact of SPS construction, deployment, and operations on the biosphere and on society; and the merits of SPS compared to other future energy alternatives.

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NASA NTRS1980

Selection of alternative central-station technologies for the Satellite Power System (SPS) comparative assessment

An important effort is the Satellite Power System (SPS) comparative Assessment is the selection and characterization of alternative technologies to be compared with the SPS concept. The ground rules, criteria, and screening procedure applied in the selection of those alternative technologies are summarized. The final set of central station alternatives selected for comparison with the SPS concept includes: (1) light water reactor with improved fuel utilization, (2) conventional coal combustion with improved environmental controls, (3) open cycle gas turbine with integral low Btu gasifier, (4) terrestrial photovoltaic, (5) liquid metal fast breeder reactor, and (6) magnetic confinement fusion.

Samsa, M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Satellite Power System (SPS) FY 79 program summary

The Satellite Power System (SPS) program a joint effort to develop an initial understanding of the technical feasibility, the economic practicality, and the social and environmental acceptability of the SPS concept is discussed. This is being accomplished through implementation of the Concept Development and Evaluation Program Plan which is scheduled for completion by the end of FY 1980. This Program Summary not only covers FY 1979 but includes work completed in FY 1977 and FY 1978 in order to give a comprehensive picture of the DOE involvement in the SPS concept development and evaluation process.

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NASA NTRS1980

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study. Volume 2, part 2: System engineering

The latest technical and programmatic developments are considered as well as expansions of the Rockwell SPS cost model covering each phase of the program through the year 2030. Comparative cost/economic analyses cover elements of the satellite, construction system, space transportation vehicles and operations, and the ground receiving station. System plans to define time phased costs and planning requirements that support major milestones through the year 2000. A special analysis is included on natural resources required to build the SPS reference configuration. An appendix contains the SPS Work Breakdown Structure and dictionary along with detail cost data sheet on each system and main element of the program. Over 200 line items address DDT&E, theoretical first unit, investment cost per satellite, and operations charges for replacement capital and normal operations and maintenance costs.

Hanley, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Performance analysis and simulation of the SPS reference phase control system

The major elements required in the operation of an SPS which employs retrodirectivity as a means of pointing the beam to Earth include the spacetenna, the rectenna, and the pilot signal transmitter. The phase control system is faced with several problems: (1) path delay variations due to imperfect SPS circular orbits; (2) ionospheric effects; (3) initial phase beam forming; (4) beam pointing; (5) beam safing; (6) high power phase noise effects; and (7) interference. The use of SOLARISM, a computer program to select pilot signal parameters and evaluate SPS performance is described.

Lindsey, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Satellite Power System (SPS) public outreach experiment

An outreach experiment was conducted to improve the results of the satellite power system (SPS) concept development and evaluation program. The objectives of the outreach were to: (1) determine the areas of major concern relative to the SPS concept and (2) gain experience with an outreach process for use in future public involvement. The response to the outreach effort was positive, suggesting that the effort extended by the SPS project division to encourage an information exchange with the public was well received. The responses were analyzed and from them some questions and answers about the satellite power system are presented.

Mcneal, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study (Exhibit D). Volume 5: Systems engineering/integration research and technology

Guidelines and ground rules followed in the development of requirements for the SPS are presented. Development planning objectives are specified in each of these areas, and evolutionary SPS program scenarios are described for the various concepts studied during the past one year contract. Program descriptions are presented as planning packages of technical tasks, and schedule phasing. Each package identifies the ground based technology effort that will facilitate SPS definitions, designs, development, and operations.

Hanley, G. M.↗