Preferred power architecture demonstration for solar electric propulsion module

Added: Nov 06, 2014 8:23 am Electric Propulsion PMAD Task Description Develop and demonstrate a new power management distribution system architecture concept for an in-space transportation solar electric propulsion (SEP) -centric spacecraft that maximizes the electrical and thermal efficiencies of the power system between the solar arrays and electric propulsion thruster to reduce mass, volume and cost to the spacecraft while also taking into account the requirements for the other spacecraft systems and subsystems. The Contractor shall conduct a trade study to select an optimum power system architecture for a solar electric powered spacecraft. Figures of merit (FOM) to be considered in the study shall include but not limited to: Technical o Mass o Risk o Complexity Programmatic o Total Cost (DDT&E, Production, Operation) o Development Risk - Schedule o Evolvability / Scalability Safety and Operability o Reliability o Loss of Vehicle o Loss of Crew

The Contractor shall design, develop, test and evaluate a TRL-3 proof-of-concept demonstration of the end-to-end power management distribution system chosen in the trade study at their location.

The Contractor shall demonstrate the power management distribution system architecture at GRC utilizing the GRC provided Solar Array Electronic Simulator (SAES) and all the necessary test support equipment, including a simulated load. The Contractors responsibility is to provide hardware for the test and test support personnel necessary to integrate the hardware with the GRC SAES.

The deliverables include: A trade study report to list qualitative and quantitative data in terms of technical, programmatic, safety and operability FOM and to summarize the conclusion of trade results and recommendation.

A proof-of-concept test report of the selected end-to-end power architecture demonstration data for transient and steady state operating modes. This shall include a diagram of the end-to-end proof-of-concept demonstration (TRL 3).

Bi-monthly progress reports.

A test report of the ground test demonstration with the GRC SAES for various operating modes and SAES the interface requirements document.