Nuclear Power Systems for Advanced High-Powered Communications Satellites

Abstract

A survey is presented of the nuclear power systems which are considered to be most suitable for advanced, high-powered communications satellites and which can be available in the 1970-75 time period. The general criteria for communication satellite power systems are discussed and candidate power systems which might be expected to meet these criteria are identified. A description and summary of the major design and performance characteristics of reactor, radioisotope, and solar-photovoltaic power systems are presented and compared for a range of power levels up to ˜20 kwe. A nuclear-powered communication satellite concept is described and compared with a typical solar-powered concept on a total mission cost basis. It is concluded that the reliability and lifetime criteria dictate the use of passive, thermoelectric power conversion equipment for the nuclear power systems which could be made available in the 1970-75 time period, and that reactor-thermoelectric systems offer an attractive power system for advanced, high-powered communication satellites, based on over-all mission cost considerations.