The stated objective of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) introduces needs for space-based electric power ranging up to hundreds of megawatts (MWe). The SDI Organization is calling for the development of new and innovative concepts to meet these needs.
Options for multi-megawatt and multi-hundred megawatt space power generating systems are presented in this paper. These options are based upon the gas turbine, one of the most mature and time-proven technologies available. Size- and mass-reduction studies utilizing innovative designs and new materials are conducted for the gas turbine. Two significantly different power levels with two thermal sources, nuclear and chemical combustion, are addressed.
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