Boeing begins NASA solar electric propulsion study
Boeing has begun work on a four month NASA contract to develop a mission concept study for solar electric propulsion technologies.
Under the $600,000 deal, Boeing will evaluate concepts that combine high-power solar arrays with advanced electric thrusters to power spacecraft and payloads to high Earth orbit and deep space destinations.
Steve Johnston, director of Boeing Phantom Works' Advanced Space Exploration division, said: "Boeing pioneered the use of electric propulsion, and has developed an approach to integrate compact, lightweight, and highly efficient solar arrays with next generation electric thrusters in future spacecraft.
"This technology offers weight and cost advantages while enabling increased on-orbit maneuverability for satellites in Earth orbit, and efficient deep space transportation for human exploration and robotic science missions."
