Solar electric
From NewMarsWiki
Revision as of 18:15, 5 December 2007 by Jumpboy11j (talk)
Intro
Solar Electric propulsion simply refers to an electric propulsion engine that is powered by a solar panels. These vehicles have high a specific impulse. Thus they can move large distances in space without requiring large amounts of propellant. They are not suitable for operation beyond the orbit of mars because of the decrease in sunlight at those distances. They have been proposed by entrepreneurs as one possible mechanism for satellite salvage and repair.
Discussion at new mars
The general consensus at newmars is that solar panels would be too massive, and would increase the necessary energy expenditure. ost discussions at newmars focus on nuclear powered electric propulsion.
