Solar electric propulsion (SEP) refers to the combination of solar cells and electric thrusters to propel a spacecraft through outer space. This technology has been exploited in a variety of spacecraft designs by the European Space Agency (ESA), the JAXA (Japanese Space Agency), Indian Space Research Organisation. Solar electric propulsion combines and one or more electric thrusters, used in tandem. There are many different types of electric thrusters, including a so-called, a term that is often. • mission to (launched) • to asteroids Vesta and Ceres (completed)• to asteroid Braille and comet Borrelly (completed) • • • • • • • • • •.
What is the solar electric propulsion project?
The SEP project is a part of the Technology Demonstration Missions program within NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate. NASA Glenn leads the Solar Electric Propulsion project for the agency. Meet Dr. Peter Peterson, an electric propulsion engineer at NASA's Glenn Research Center.
Solar electric propulsion (SEP) refers to the combination of solar cells and electric thrusters to propel a spacecraft through outer space. This technology has been exploited in a variety of spacecraft designs by the European Space Agency (ESA), the JAXA (Japanese Space Agency), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA.
Does NASA have a solar electric propulsion mission?
Since 2012 the NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate has had a coordinated plan to mature the requisite solar array and electric propulsion technology needed to implement a 30 to 50 kilowatt solar electric propulsion technology demonstration mission.
Why is solar-electric propulsion important?
Solar-electric propulsion has been shown to be reliable and efficient, and allows a significant mass reduction of spacecraft. High-power solar electric propulsion is a key technology that has been prioritized because of its significant exploration benefits in cis-lunar space and crewed missions to Mars.
What is advanced electric propulsion system (AEPS)?
Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) is a solar electric propulsion system for spacecraft that is being designed, developed and tested by NASA and Aerojet Rocketdyne for large-scale science missions and cargo transportation.
What are in-space electric propulsion systems?
In-space electric propulsion systems, such as SEP, tout extremely high fuel economy at lower thrust, providing mission flexibility and capabilities not achievable using traditional propulsion systems.