Satellite Power System

The power systems of space vehicles have undergone significant development during the previous decade, and will continue to do so in the immediate future. Until now, except for the scattered results of conferences and a few publications with sketchy coverage, no single volume has covered the entire spectrum of the subject. Spacecraft Power

In the past decade, the field of small satellites has expanded the space industry in a powerful way. Hundreds, indeed thousands, of these innovative and highly cost-efficient satellites are now being launched from Earth to establish low-cost space systems. These smallsats are engaged in experiments and prototype testing, communications services, data relay, internet access, remote sensing, defense and security related services, and more. Some of these systems are quite small and are simple student experiments, while others in commercial constellations are employing state-of-the-art technologies to deliver fast and accurate services. This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of this exciting new field. It covers the technology, applications and services, design and manufacture, launch arrangements, ground systems, and economic and regulatory arrangements surrounding small satellites. The diversity of approach in recent years has allowed for rapid innovation and economic breakthroughs to proceed at a pace that seems only to be speeding up. In this reference work, readers will find information pertaining to all aspects of the small satellite industry, written by a host of international experts in the field.

This second edition of Spacecraft Power Systems is a comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals, design trades, components, controls, and operations of spacecraft power systems based on the real-world design and operations of spacecraft that have successfully flown for decades. It also includes emerging high-voltage, high-power systems for in-space propulsion for interplanetary travel. With new and updated chapters, sections, and discussions, the second edition covers up-to-date high-voltage, MW-scale electric propulsion, updated PV and battery systems, spacecraft power components, power electronics, and their architectures and operations. This book also presents the latest in spacecraft design processes and trades, controls, operations, and protection. This book is intended for senior undergraduate and graduate students in mechanical, aerospace, and electrical engineering taking courses in Space Systems, Space Engineering, and Spacecraft Power Systems, as well as for practicing aerospace and power engineers and managers who are designing, developing, and operating spacecraft power systems.

This book provides an introduction to the main design principles, methods, procedures, and development trends in spacecraft power systems. It is divided into nine chapters, the first of which covers the classification and main components of primary power system design and power distribution system design. In turn, Chapters 2 to 4 focus on the spacecraft power system design experience and review the latest typical design cases concerning spacecraft power systems in China. More specifically, these chapters also introduce readers to the topological structure and key technologies used in spacecraft power systems. Chapters 5 to 7 address power system reliability and safety design, risk analysis and control, and in-orbit management in China’s spacecraft engineering projects. The book’s closing chapters provide essential information on new power systems and technologies, such as space nuclear power, micro- and nano-satellite power systems, and space energy interconnection systems. An outlook on future development trends rounds out the coverage.