Introduction. The U.S. has a long tradition of space exploration, space operations, and commercial use of space. The United States current and future role in space is vital to our national security, science and technology, economy, educational institutes, and our national pride.
U.S. initial space functions developed in 1958 include navigation, meteorology, communication, missile detection, space defense and reconnaissance. These core functions have not significantly changed from the Reagan-era to the current President Obama administration.
Nuclear Power. Nuclear power is a consistent power source produced by nuclear powered radioactive isotope generators. The spacecraft power used on New Horizons on the journey to Pluto used radioisotope …show more content…
A spacecraft harnesses solar power using photovoltaic and solar thermionic devices. The solar arrays mount on the satellite in various ways depending on the design and mission of the satellite. The power requirements and the efficiency of the solar cells determines the size of the arrays. The Messenger spacecraft utilized dual-sided high temperature solar array to provide power to the spacecraft.
Key Differences between Nuclear and Solar Power. Solar power requires augmentation from another power source during the times when a satellite passes into and out of Earth’s shadow. Storage batteries provide the continuous power for spacecraft’s that use solar radiation during peak power cycles and eclipse periods.
Nuclear power does not require solar energy allowing the satellite to maintain power in areas with low radiation levels. Nuclear power generators are capable of delivering a wide range of power, with solar arrays the power based on the size of the array and the solar cell efficiency. Key Impacts of Differences. Nuclear power is ideal for space exploration missions to outer planets requiring the spacecraft to travel through areas of low radiation. Nuclear power can provide continuous power in regions of space where the use of solar power is not feasible. In addition, nuclear power provides high system reliability and high power output versus low
U.S. initial space functions developed in 1958 include navigation, meteorology, communication, missile detection, space defense and reconnaissance. These core functions have not significantly changed from the Reagan-era to the current President Obama administration.
Nuclear Power. Nuclear power is a consistent power source produced by nuclear powered radioactive isotope generators. The spacecraft power used on New Horizons on the journey to Pluto used radioisotope …show more content…
A spacecraft harnesses solar power using photovoltaic and solar thermionic devices. The solar arrays mount on the satellite in various ways depending on the design and mission of the satellite. The power requirements and the efficiency of the solar cells determines the size of the arrays. The Messenger spacecraft utilized dual-sided high temperature solar array to provide power to the spacecraft.
Key Differences between Nuclear and Solar Power. Solar power requires augmentation from another power source during the times when a satellite passes into and out of Earth’s shadow. Storage batteries provide the continuous power for spacecraft’s that use solar radiation during peak power cycles and eclipse periods.
Nuclear power does not require solar energy allowing the satellite to maintain power in areas with low radiation levels. Nuclear power generators are capable of delivering a wide range of power, with solar arrays the power based on the size of the array and the solar cell efficiency. Key Impacts of Differences. Nuclear power is ideal for space exploration missions to outer planets requiring the spacecraft to travel through areas of low radiation. Nuclear power can provide continuous power in regions of space where the use of solar power is not feasible. In addition, nuclear power provides high system reliability and high power output versus low