Refueling Infrastructure Testing for Lunar Surface Operations
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Development Testing of the Gateway Integrated Bipropellant Refueling Subsystem
The Lunar Gateway is a deep space orbiting outpost being developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) and other domestic and international partners. Because Gateway is a vital component of NASA’s Artemis program supporting long-term human exploration of the moon, it is designed for on-orbit refueling to allow for a longer life performance. The reaction control system (RCS) bipropellant refueling system onboard the station will have the capability to transfer propellants, monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) and mixed oxides of nitrogen-3 (MON-3), under controlled conditions and will span across three modules: the European System Providing Refueling Infrastructure and Telecommunication Refueling Module (ESPRIT-RM or ERM), the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO), and the Propulsion and Power Element (PPE). These propellant transfers are complex operations with known hazards, and one of the risk areas is exceeding the flight system’s maximum design pressure (MDP) in priming and refueling pause/stop operations. In priming, liquid propellant is transferred from a pressurized source tank to evacuated transfer lines, which could result in excessive transient surge pressures and potentially damage hardware. In refueling pause/stop operations, fast-acting isolation valves (IV) are closed, which could lead to damaging water hammer. To mitigate these risks and develop the system, a collaborative NASA/ESA/Thales Alenia Space – United Kingdom (TAS-UK) test program was completed at TAS-UK on a simplified refueling breadboard representing ERM, HALO, and PPE bipropellant transfer systems. The objectives of the integrated breadboard testing were to (1) gather performance data to characterize and demonstrate critical refueling operations, (2) help inform flight designs, and (3) to validate numerical models that can be extended to predicting flight system performance. Integrated breadboard test data has shown the architected system performance is closing initial design assumptions. Further testing with propellant on a higher fidelity fluid simulator and analysis are planned.
Adela D Han↗
Development Testing of the Gateway Integrated Bipropellant Refueling Subsystem
The Lunar Gateway is a deep space orbiting outpost being developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) and other domestic and international partners. Because Gateway is a vital component of NASA’s Artemis program supporting long-term human exploration of the moon, it is designed for on-orbit refueling to allow for a longer life performance. The reaction control system (RCS) bipropellant refueling system onboard the station will have the capability to transfer propellants, monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) and mixed oxides of nitrogen-3 (MON-3), under controlled conditions and will span across three modules: the European System Providing Refueling Infrastructure and Telecommunication Refueling Module (ESPRIT-RM or ERM), the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO), and the Propulsion and Power Element (PPE). These propellant transfers are complex operations with known hazards, and one of the risk areas is exceeding the flight system’s maximum design pressure (MDP) in priming and refueling pause/stop operations. In priming, liquid propellant is transferred from a pressurized source tank to evacuated transfer lines, which could result in excessive transient surge pressures and potentially damage hardware. In refueling pause/stop operations, fast-acting isolation valves (IV) are closed, which could lead to damaging water hammer. To mitigate these risks and develop the system, a collaborative NASA/ESA/Thales Alenia Space – United Kingdom (TAS-UK) test program was completed at TAS-UK on a simplified refueling breadboard representing ERM, HALO, and PPE bipropellant transfer systems. The objectives of the integrated breadboard testing were to (1) gather performance data to characterize and demonstrate critical refueling operations, (2) help inform flight designs, and (3) to validate numerical models that can be extended to predicting flight system performance. Integrated breadboard test data has shown the architected system performance is closing initial design assumptions. Further testing with propellant on a higher fidelity fluid simulator and analysis are planned.
Adela D Han↗
Thermal Analysis of Refueling Propellant Systems for PPE
To support the sustainability of Gateway, approach the challenge of sustainable presence beyond low earth orbit, and provide proving grounds for future missions beyond the surface of the moon, refueling capabilities must be incorporated into Gateway. The objective is to replenish propellants into the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) from the European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications (ESPIRIT) through the Habitation and logistics outpost (HALO). PPE refueling will consist of a bipropellant transfer system, as well as a main propellant transfer system. Refueling the Power and Propulsion Element in near rectilinear halo orbit can present various issues, and to thermally maintain the refueling system during this event requires diligent planning and thermal design. Presently, a thermal model exists to analyze the components of the refueling system as the development of PPE continues. The analysis from the thermal model will verify the integrity of the all the components during a refueling event throughout the duration of the mission given various environmental differences. To confidently refuel PPE, thermal analysis, and various tests of the refueling components, must be completed to achieve the desired sustainability of Gateway.
Ethan Sparks↗
Gateway Program Progress and Overview
This paper provides an overview and status of the Gateway, which will be a small, human-tended space station in orbit around the Moon. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leads the Program and serves as the integrator of the spaceflight capabilities and contributions of U.S. commercial partners and international partners to develop the Gateway. Gateway is the cornerstone of sustainable deep space human exploration and is an essential element of the infrastructure necessary for the execution of the Artemis missions to the Moon. This paper will outline the current planned configuration and deployment of the station, describing the concept of operations and how Gateway supports both lunar surface missions and also serves as the springboard for exploration deeper in space. Calendar year 2022 will see the accomplishments of major milestones such as over twenty systems preliminary design reviews (PDRs), a Program-wide PDR-informed synchronization review, and NASA Key Decision Point marking the evolution of the program as a whole from the formulation phase and into implementation. This paper will provide a progress update for each major component of the Gateway: The Power and Propulsion Element; the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO); Deep Space Logistics; the International Habitation module; the European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure, and Telecommunications (ESPRIT), which includes a Refueler Module and the HALO Lunar Communications System; External Robotics System; and an Airlock with both science and crew capabilities. For each component, the paper will describe the current maturity of the modules, acquisition strategy, contracts, and if applicable, international partnership status. This paper will also outline the integration function the Gateway Program Office performs at the NASA Johnson Space Center, including the multilateral governance structure and cross-program interfaces across Artemis.
Gateway↗
Gateway at the Crossroads of Sustainable Lunar Exploration
The Gateway Program has made substantial design and development progress toward delivering a small, human-tended lunar space station purposefully designed to enable sustainable human exploration. The Program integrates partners and providers organizationally and physically as part of the spacecraft. The Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) with the European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications (ESPRIT) HALO Lunar Communications System (HLCS) have begun manufacturing the long lead components and will be launched first as a Co-Manifested Vehicle (CMV). The International Habitat (I-Hab) and ESPRIT Refueling Module (ERM) are passing life cycle milestones and include capabilities key for human crewmembers, such as windows, private sleeping quarters, and galley functions. The Logistics Module (LM) may provide a variety of services to Gateway depending on each mission. Requirements for the airlock have been developed, including requests that it support the integrated spacecraft with functions like augmenting heat rejection capabilities, and interfaces with new spacesuits will soon be developed in more detail. As a critical element of the architecture for solar system exploration, Gateway implements key tenets and features of international interoperability standards necessary to operate with multiple visiting vehicles and lunar assets, especially avionics, communications, and docking. Specific choices such as software architecture and standards, power standards, and robotics standards make it possible to utilize heritage or proprietary technology, yet still operate as one spacecraft. Engineering teams are evaluating many possible future missions to be executed at or utilizing the Gateway. The system architecture protects for an evolvable, extensible, and flexible capability. Designing systems robust enough to serve as a cornerstone of exploration activities for decades while remaining adaptable is not without its challenges. The detailed integration activities have revealed challenges and the need to mature key technologies. Refueling is a key component of achieving long life for Gateway, with unique operations to plan, safety concerns to mitigate, and risk reduction activities to conduct to better understand the system. The constraints and impacts of the design of visiting vehicles is also an important concern, with orientation constraints, control of attitude and orbit of the Gateway with docked visiting vehicles. Tradeoffs between robust maintainable systems and lightweight, compact systems must be balanced. Opportunities still exist for adding additional advanced capabilities to increase and extend Gateway’s benefits, such as intravehicular robotics, autonomous Guidance Navigation and Control (GN&C), and augmented control propulsion, heat rejection, or other services.
Molly S Anderson↗
Gateway at the Crossroads of Sustainable Lunar Exploration
The Gateway Program has made substantial design and development progress toward delivering a small, human-tended lunar space station purposefully designed to enable sustainable human exploration. The Program integrates partners and providers organizationally and physically as part of the spacecraft. The Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) with the European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications (ESPRIT) HALO Lunar Communications System (HLCS) have begun manufacturing the long lead components and will be launched first as a Co-Manifested Vehicle (CMV). The International Habitat (I-Hab) and ESPRIT Refueling Module (ERM) are passing life cycle milestones and include capabilities key for human crewmembers, such as windows, private sleeping quarters, and galley functions. The Logistics Module (LM) may provide a variety of services to Gateway depending on each mission. Requirements for the airlock have been developed, including requests that it support the integrated spacecraft with functions like augmenting heat rejection capabilities, and interfaces with new spacesuits will soon be developed in more detail. As a critical element of the architecture for solar system exploration, Gateway implements key tenets and features of international interoperability standards necessary to operate with multiple visiting vehicles and lunar assets, especially avionics, communications, and docking. Specific choices such as software architecture and standards, power standards, and robotics standards make it possible to utilize heritage or proprietary technology, yet still operate as one spacecraft. Engineering teams are evaluating many possible future missions to be executed at or utilizing the Gateway. The system architecture protects for an evolvable, extensible, and flexible capability. Designing systems robust enough to serve as a cornerstone of exploration activities for decades while remaining adaptable is not without its challenges. The detailed integration activities have revealed challenges and the need to mature key technologies. Refueling is a key component of achieving long life for Gateway, with unique operations to plan, safety concerns to mitigate, and risk reduction activities to conduct to better understand the system. The constraints and impacts of the design of visiting vehicles is also an important concern, with orientation constraints, control of attitude and orbit of the Gateway with docked visiting vehicles. Tradeoffs between robust maintainable systems and lightweight, compact systems must be balanced. Opportunities still exist for adding additional advanced capabilities to increase and extend Gateway’s benefits, such as intravehicular robotics, autonomous Guidance Navigation and Control (GN&C), and augmented control propulsion, heat rejection, or other services.
Molly S Anderson↗
Gateway Program Status and Overview
This paper provides an overview and status of the Gateway, which will be an outpost orbiting the Moon that provides vital support for a sustainable, long-term human return to the lunar surface and a steppingstone to Mars as part of the Artemis program. Gateway is a destination for deep space crew expeditions and science investigations, as well as a port for deep space transportation – for landers en route to the lunar surface or spacecraft embarking to destinations beyond the Earth-Moon system. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leads the Program and serves as the integrator of the spaceflight capabilities and contributions of U.S. commercial partners and international partners to develop the Gateway. This paper will provide an overview of each component of the Gateway: The Power and Propulsion Element, the Habitation and Logistics Outpost; Deep Space Logistics; the International Habitation module; External Robotics System; European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications; an Airlock; and Exploration ExtraVehicular Activity (xEVA). Expanding on the successful partnership that has provided over 20 years of continuous crew operations in low-Earth orbit on ISS, the Gateway is an evolution of this extraordinary partnership that leverages the capabilities of each partner to expand humankind’s sustained exploration deeper into the cosmos. Highlighting the international program with participation from multiple international partners, this paper will also provide a status of the Gateway multilateral governance structure and international agreements.
Gateway↗
Gateway Program Status and Overview
This paper provides an overview and status of Gateway, which will be an outpost orbiting the Moon that provides vital support for a sustainable, long-term human return to the lunar surface and a steppingstone to Mars as part of the Artemis program. Gateway is a destination for deep space crew expeditions and science investigations, as well as a port for deep space transportation – for landers en route to the lunar surface or spacecraft embarking to destinations beyond the Earth-Moon system. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leads the Program and serves as the integrator of the spaceflight capabilities and contributions of U.S. commercial partners and international partners to develop Gateway. This paper will provide an overview of each component of Gateway: The Power and Propulsion Element, the Habitation and Logistics Outpost; Deep Space Logistics; the International Habitation module; External Robotics System; European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications; an Airlock; and Exploration ExtraVehicular Activity (xEVA). Expanding on the successful partnership that has provided over 20 years of continuous crew operations in low-Earth orbit on ISS, Gateway is an evolution of this extraordinary partnership that leverages the capabilities of each partner to expand humankind’s sustained exploration deeper into the cosmos. Highlighting the international program with participation from multiple international partners, this paper will also provide a status of Gateway multilateral governance structure and international agreements.
Gateway↗
Gateway Program Development Progress
This paper provides an overview and status of Gateway, humanity’s first space station to orbit the Moon providing vital support for a sustained, long-term human return to the lunar surface and a steppingstone to Mars as part of the Artemis missions. As a lunar outpost, Gateway is a destination for deep space crew expeditions and science investigations, a port for deep space transportation, including landers transiting to the lunar surface or spacecraft embarking to deep space destinations beyond the Earth-Moon system. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leads the Program and is the integrator of the spaceflight capabilities and contributions of U.S. commercial partners and international partners to develop Gateway. This paper will provide an overview of Gateway’s major components in various stages of development. The entire Gateway spacecraft is at preliminary design level of maturity, with some components at or near critical design review. Gateway’s major components are the Power and Propulsion Element; the Habitation and Logistics Outpost; Deep Space Logistics; the International Habitation module; Gateway External Robotics System; European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications; and an Airlock. This paper will also provide an update on the status of the integration activities necessary to fly and operate this complex, next-generation integrated spacecraft for a minimum 15 year design life, including systems engineering integrated analysis cycles, the autonomous Vehicle System Manager software, verification and validation labs, and common vehicle equipment. Expanding on the successful partnership that has provided over 20 years of continuous crew operations in low-Earth orbit on the International Space Station, Gateway is an evolution of this extraordinary partnership leveraging the capabilities of each contributor to expand humankind’s sustained exploration deeper into the cosmos. Highlighting the international program with participation from multiple space agencies, this paper will also provide a status of Gateway multilateral governance structure and international agreements.
Sean M Fuller↗
SLS Payload Launch Loads Analysis Using the NTRC Method
Norton-Thevenin Receptance Coupling (NTRC), as described in several NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) papers shows promise in enabling loads development for payloads with less computational cost and analyst time as compared to a full integrated vehicle coupled loads analysis (CLA). NTRC allows the free vehicle responses and impedance (accelerance) at the payload to vehicle interface (derived from integrated vehicle CLA) to be used with a payload model in a payload CLA. Due to the NTRC damping differing from the full integrated vehicle damping, results are slightly different, so coverage factors were developed to ensure NTRC results enveloped results from a traditional CLA. NTRC results with coverage factors were very close to full CLA results. The Space Launch System (SLS) coupled loads team has developed an implementation of the NTRC method to enable support of co-manifested payloads with analysis needs that do not fit the primary SLS load cycle schedule. The NTRC method was successfully used to support the European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure, and Communications (ESPRIT) module for Gateway planned to fly on Artemis V and has been adopted as the SLS approach for supporting payload CLA requests that do not align with vehicle load cycles.
SLS↗
Application of Norton-Thevenin Receptance Coupling (NTRC) to Space Launch System (SLS) Payload Coupled Loads Analysis (CLA)
Norton-Thevenin Receptance Coupling (NTRC), as described in several NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) papers shows promise in enabling loads development for payloads with less computational cost and analyst time as compared to a full integrated vehicle coupled loads analysis (CLA). NTRC allows the free vehicle responses and impedance (accelerance) at the payload to vehicle interface (derived from integrated vehicle CLA) to be used with a payload model in a payload CLA. Due to the NTRC damping differing from the full integrated vehicle damping, results are slightly different, so coverage factors were developed to ensure NTRC results enveloped results from a traditional CLA. NTRC results with coverage factors were very close to full CLA results. The Space Launch System (SLS) coupled loads team has developed an implementation of the NTRC method to enable support of co-manifested payloads with analysis needs that do not fit the primary SLS load cycle schedule. The NTRC method was successfully used to support the European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure, and Communications (ESPRIT) module for Gateway planned to fly on Artemis V and has been adopted as the SLS approach for supporting payload CLA requests that do not align with vehicle load cycles.
SLS↗
Gateway Program Development Progress
This paper provides an overview and status of Gateway, humanity’s first space station to orbit the Moon providing vital support for a sustained, long-term human return to the lunar surface and a steppingstone to Mars as part of the Artemis missions. As a lunar outpost, Gateway is a destination for deep space crew expeditions and science investigations, a port for deep space transportation, including landers transiting to the lunar surface or spacecraft embarking to deep space destinations beyond the Earth-Moon system. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leads the Program and is the integrator of the spaceflight capabilities and contributions of U.S. commercial partners and international partners to develop Gateway. This paper will provide an overview of Gateway’s major components in various stages of development. The entire Gateway spacecraft is at preliminary design level of maturity, with some components at or near critical design review. Gateway’s major components are the Power and Propulsion Element; the Habitation and Logistics Outpost; Deep Space Logistics; the International Habitation module; Gateway External Robotics System; European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications; and an Airlock. This paper will also provide an update on the status of the integration activities necessary to fly and operate this complex, next-generation integrated spacecraft for a minimum 15-year design life, including systems engineering integrated analysis cycles, the autonomous Vehicle System Manager software, verification and validation labs, and common vehicle equipment. Expanding on the successful partnership that has provided over 20 years of continuous crew operations in low-Earth orbit on the International Space Station, Gateway is an evolution of this extraordinary partnership leveraging the capabilities of each contributor to expand humankind’s sustained exploration deeper into the cosmos. Highlighting the international program with participation from multiple space agencies, this paper will also provide a status of Gateway multilateral governance structure and international agreements.
Gateway↗
NASA's Exploration and In-Space Services (NExIS) Division OSAM-1 Propellant Transfer Subsystem Progress 2020
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Exploration and In-Space Services (NExIS) Division of Goddard Space Flight Center has been developing technology for the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing Mission 1 (OSAM-1) to robotically refuel heritage and new satellites on-orbit. OSAM-1, formerly known as Restore-L, successfully passed an important NASA milestone called Key Decision Point-C (KDP-C), receiving agency-level approval for its implementation. The decision point also establishes the mission’s official schedule and budget. The OSAM-1 spacecraft, Servicing Payload and the Space Infrastructure Dexterous Robot (SPIDER) payload will refuel a satellite in space, assemble a communications antenna and manufacture a beam. By demonstrating these capabilities, the mission is advancing never-before tested technologies for use in future missions (by NASA and other government organizations and private industry). The mission is funded by the Technology Demonstration Missions program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. This paper covers a review of servicing extensibility and critical technologies that are being developed within NExIS with a focus on the fluid transfer refueling technology within the framework of the Propellant Transfer Subsystem (PTS). An overview of the planned initial technology demonstration servicing mission via the OSAM-1 Space Vehicle is provided as an extension of the technology development progress reported in 20181, and 20192. The general objectives, challenges, and key technologies are presented as an introduction to the context of the OSAM-1 mission, and a precursor to the OSAM-1 PTS specific development status. Development and progress of the Hose Management Assembly (HMA) and Propellant Transfer Assembly (PTA) are discussed. HMA risk reduction test results including those of thermal vacuum testing are presented. Important analytical results are discussed and progress of drawings and procedures developed for the fabrication and testing phase are shown. A summary of the PTS overall verification status and design activities prepared for the critical design peer review are presented. Procurement progress is shown with status on long, medium, and short term efforts to acquire the hardware required to support the mission objectives. Technology development, challenges, and testing status are discussed with particular regard to the OSAM-1 specific key assemblies including the PTA and HMA along with the overall integrated flight mockup of the spacecraft to client fluid transfer testing conducted in the servicing testbeds. The paper concludes with key milestones leading to the goal of on-orbit refueling to be demonstrated in 2024. The overall mission Launch Readiness Date (LRD) has been realigned to accommodate budget profiles and incorporation of additional on-orbit assembly and manufacturing demonstration efforts.
Propellant transfer, satellite servicing↗
NASA’s Exploration and In-Space Services (NExIS) Division OSAM-1 and Related Propellant Transfer Subsystem Progress through FY 2024 Presentation
NASA’s Exploration and In-Space Services (NExIS) Division has been developing technologies for the on-orbit servicing of satellites for decades (Hubble servicing missions) On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing mission 1 (OSAM-1) had plans to robotically refuel a heritage satellite on-orbit (a.k.a. non-cooperative) Future plans of the OSAM-1 flight hardware will not be discussed The OSAM-1 Space Infrastructure Dexterious Robot (SPIDER) payload is designed to assemble a 3-meter communications antenna OSAM-1 Propellant Transfer Subsystem (PTS) development supports the nascent in-space refueling ISAM goals Reference “National In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Implementation Plan” (Dec 2022 from White House Office of Science and Technology Policy) ISAM fluid transfer technology shortfalls still exist and are actively being addressed at NASA
PTS↗
A Practical, Affordable Cryogenic Propellant Depot Based on ULA's Flight Experience
Mankind is embarking on the next step in the journey of human exploration. We are returning to the moon and eventually moving to Mars and beyond. The current Exploration architecture seeks a balance between the need for a robust infrastructure on the lunar surface, and the performance limitations of Ares I and V. The ability to refuel or top-off propellant tanks from orbital propellant depots offers NASA the opportunity to cost effectively and reliably satisfy these opposing requirements. The ability to cache large orbital quantities of propellant is also an enabling capability for missions to Mars and beyond. This paper describes an option for a propellant depot that enables orbital refueling supporting Exploration, national security, science and other space endeavors. This proposed concept is launched using a single EELV medium class rocket and thus does not require any orbital assembly. The propellant depot provides cryogenic propellant storage that utilizes flight proven technologies augmented with technologies currently under development. The propellant depot system, propellant management, flight experience, and key technologies are also discussed. Options for refueling the propellant depot along with an overview of Exploration architecture impacts are also presented.
Kutter, Bernard F.↗
Modular, Reconfigurable, High-Energy Systems Stepping Stones
Modular, Reconfigurable, High-Energy Systems are Stepping Stones to provide capabilities for energy-rich infrastructure strategically located in space to support a variety of exploration scenarios. Abundant renewable energy at lunar or L1 locations could support propellant production and storage in refueling scenarios that enable affordable exploration. Renewable energy platforms in geosynchronous Earth orbits can collect and transmit power to satellites, or to Earth-surface locations. Energy-rich space technologies also enable the use of electric-powered propulsion systems that could efficiently deliver cargo and exploration facilities to remote locations. A first step to an energy-rich space infrastructure is a 100-kWe class solar-powered platform in Earth orbit. The platform would utilize advanced technologies in solar power collection and generation, power management and distribution, thermal management, and electric propulsion. It would also provide a power-rich free-flying platform to demonstrate in space a portfolio of technology flight experiments. This paper presents a preliminary design concept for a 100-kWe solar-powered satellite with the capability to flight-demonstrate a variety of payload experiments and to utilize electric propulsion. State-of-the-art solar concentrators, highly efficient multi-junction solar cells, integrated thermal management on the arrays, and innovative deployable structure design and packaging make the 100-kW satellite feasible for launch on one existing launch vehicle. Higher voltage arrays and power management and distribution (PMAD) systems reduce or eliminate the need for massive power converters, and could enable direct- drive of high-voltage solar electric thrusters.
Howell, Joe T.↗
Modular High-Energy Systems for Solar Power Satellites
Modular High-Energy Systems are Stepping Stones to provide capabilities for energy-rich infrastructure located in space to support a variety of exploration scenarios as well as provide a supplemental source of energy during peak demands to ground grid systems. Abundant renewable energy at lunar or other locations could support propellant production and storage in refueling scenarios that enable affordable exploration. Renewable energy platforms in geosynchronous Earth orbits can collect and transmit power to satellites, or to Earth-surface locations. Energy-rich space technologies also enable the use of electric-powered propulsion systems that could efficiently deliver cargo and exploration facilities to remote locations. A first step to an energy-rich space infrastructure is a 100-kWe class solar-powered platform in Earth orbit. The platform would utilize advanced technologies in solar power collection and generation, power management and distribution, thermal management, electric propulsion, wireless avionics, autonomous in space rendezvous and docking, servicing, and robotic assembly. It would also provide an energy-rich free-flying platform to demonstrate in space a portfolio of technology flight experiments. This paper summary a preliminary design concept for a 100-kWe solar-powered satellite system to demonstrate in-flight a variety of advanced technologies, each as a separate payload. These technologies include, but are not limited to state-of-the-art solar concentrators, highly efficient multi-junction solar cells, integrated thermal management on the arrays, and innovative deployable structure design and packaging to enable the 100-kW satellite feasible to launch on one existing launch vehicle. Higher voltage arrays and power distribution systems (PDS) reduce or eliminate the need for massive power converters, and could enable direct-drive of high-voltage solar electric thrusters.
Howell, Joe T.↗