Toward an electrical power utility for space exploration

Robert W. Bercaw Xational Aeronautics and Space Administration Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio 44135 ABSTRACT Plans for space exploration depend on today's tech- nology programs addressing the novel requirements of space-based enterprise. The requirements for elec- trical power will be formidable: megawatts in magnitude, reliability for multi-year missions and the flexibility to adapt to needs unanticipated at design time. The reasons for considering the power management and distribution in the various systems from a total mission perspective--rather than simply extrapolating current spacecraft design practice-- are discussed. A utility approach to electric power, being developed at the Lewis Research Center, is described. It integrates requirements from a broad selection of current development programs with studies in which both space and terrestrial technol- ogies are conceptually applied to exploration mission scenarios. Keywords: Space Exploration, Power, Electric Utili- ty, Lunar Base, Mars Expedition