Electrical Power Requirements for Future Space Exploration

This paper discusses future electrical power requirements for various possible space missions. Probable time frames are included wherever possible. Three categories of missions are considered: earth orbital operations including communication and weather satellites, manned orbiting laboratories, and scientific satellites; lunar operations in the post-Apollo era; and intrasolar system operations including manned and unmanned planetary missions, solar probes, and out of the ecliptic probes. Power levels necessary to support the missions vary widely; various levels from a fraction of a kilowatt to hundreds of kilowatts are discussed. This paper reaffirms the conclusion reached by a growing number of people that the availability of electrical power may pace future space explorations.