Online Journal of Space Communication
Abstract
Space solar power satellites require innovative concepts in order to achieve economically and technically feasible designs. The mass and volume constraints of current and planned launch vehicles necessitate highly efficient structural systems be developed. In addition, modularity and in-space deployment will be enabling design attributes. This paper reviews the current challenges of launching and building very large space systems. A building block approach is proposed in order to achieve near-term solar power satellite risk reduction while promoting the necessary long-term technology advances. Promising mechanical systems technologies anticipated in the coming decades including modularity, material systems, structural concepts, and in-space operations are described.
Recommended Citation
Belvin, W. Keith; Dorsey, John T.; and Watson, Judith J.
(2021)
"Solar Power Satellite Development: Advances in Modularity and Mechanical Systems,"
Online Journal of Space Communication: Vol. 9:
Iss.
16, Article 15.
Available at:
https://ohioopen.library.ohio.edu/spacejournal/vol9/iss16/15
Included in
Astrodynamics Commons, Navigation, Guidance, Control and Dynamics Commons, Space Vehicles Commons, Systems and Communications Commons, Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Commons