Space power and energy storage

What is a space power and energy storage technology roadmap?

Introduction The purpose of this document is to describe the state of the art in space power and energy storage technologies and formulate a technology roadmap that can guide NASA’s developments to assure the timely development and delivery of innovative and enabling power and energy storage systems for future space missions.

How can energy storage be used in space?

Energy storage can be accomplished using many fundamentally different approaches. The current roadmap includes three: batteries, flywheels, and regenerative fuel cells. Two other approaches may also prove feasible for space applications: (1) electric and magnetic field storage and (2) thermal storage (especially for surface power applications).

Can space power and energy storage help NASA learn about Earth?

The ability of space power and energy storage technologies to enable and enhance NASA’s ability to learn about Earth and the solar system is illustrated by the following quotes from a recently completed decadal survey on planetary science (NRC, 2011):

What are the benefits of technology advances in space power & energy storage?

Benefits Technology advances in space power and energy storage offer significant benefits to spacecraft, launch vehicles, landers, rovers, spacesuits, tools, habitats, communication networks, and anything that requires power and energy. New missions are enabled when a breakthrough in power generation or energy storage is attained.

Are space power and energy storage schedules feasible?

Schedules for Space Power and Energy Storage technologies are highly dependent on the level of funding applied to the development programs. The schedules depicted in the roadmap are generally feasible if sufficient resources are applied to each item in the roadmap. Space Power and Energy Storage is related to several other technical areas.

What is energy storage in space faring?

Energy Storage - Energy storage in space faring is required for applications of solar energy when/where the Sun is not always available, and for on planet habs, transportation, ISRU, and space suits. The nuclear batteries scale nicely and are fundamentally a storage device.