Power Subsystem for Future Spacecraft

An innovative hybrid power system combining nuclear and solar energy sources has the potential for providing sustainable power to future small spacecraft such as satellite servicing vehicles. The specific form of nuclear energy involves a Multi Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (also known as an MMTRG shown in blue on the diagram) which safely administers the heat released from radioactive decay and converts it to electrical power using thermocouples. The three solar panels (seen in yellow) have the ability to rotate out of the system and follow light as it orbits the Earth for maximum intake of the sun’s energy.

Currently, satellites and space probes run on Radioisotope Generators, but are limited to just that. The design shown will combine 2 safe modern energy systems to provide sufficient amounts of energy to spacecrafts for a long period of time. For maximum energy efficiency, this subsystem will use nuclear energy for immediate missions the spacecraft will need to accomplish and the excess energy acquired by the solar panels or MMRTG while dormant will be stored in the ultra capacitors (seen in green).

Since there is no production of harmful byproducts, this hybrid subsystem for spacecraft can contribute to fixing satellites that send life saving information back to earth, without the worry of leaving a capacious carbon footprint. Each individual power system is clean, and the solar energy is renewable. It is extremely cost-effective, as not only do Multi Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators have a life span of 14+ years, but individuals companies will be able to save millions by leaving their satellites in space and having them repaired there.

In the next few years, it is presumed that the United States Government will become more lenient on commercial space and sub-orbital endeavors, shifting their control over to space companies. NASA currently offers technology transfers for students to research, conduct tests, and build upon what they already have. This power subsystem would be no different. The Department of Energy, as well as NASA, would provide the generators as buying radioactive materials needs to be done through the government. The solar panels can be purchased from any solar panel manufacturing company in the United States. With more and more commercial spacecrafts in space, there will be a demand of sustainable and cost efficient forms of energy to power their systems.

Research will now be conducted to design an innovative power subsystem solution that switches as needed between nuclear and solar energy and incorporates continuous monitoring capabilities to ascertain maximum energy efficiency and sustained power of commercial sub-orbital space service vehicles for longer space missions.

Voting is closed!

Tags

aerospace, Energy, Solar, Spacecraft