Simulating transfer of a solar-powered electrically propelled orbital transfer vehicle

The paper presents results of the work to define technical characteristics of a solar-powered electrically-propelled orbital transfer vehicle. It discusses an orbital transfer vehicle concept which includes an up to 200 kW electrical propulsion system and power system options based on solar arrays and storage batteries. It provides results of parameter calculations for four options of a transfer operation supporting cargo traffic to ~20 000 km orbits with return of the transfer vehicle to its parking orbit. It is shown that the optimal vehicle design is the one that does not have a storage battery to support the operation of the electrical propulsion system during eclipsed portions of its trajectory. However, it is desirable to perform the transfer operation using a trajectory with minimal duration of eclipsed portions.