Thermo-photovoltaic spacecraft electricity generation

Abstract

We describe a solution for powering a spacecraft in the 5 kW - 0.5 MW power range. The introduced thermo-photovoltaic electricity generation works without magnets or external cooling; it combines operational simplicity with a good power per mass ratio. Once in orbit, the system shall be capable of powering numerous successive missions within the solar system or a long range exploratory mission. © Author(s) 2010.