Comparison of Open and Closed Multimegawatt Space Power and Weapon Systems

摘要

One of the major questions that is being addressed at present by Strategic Defense Initiative's Multimegawatt Space Power Project is whether or not space weapon power systems must be closed, i.e., whether effluents from the systems are tolerable. If they are not tolerable, the major penalty that must be paid to close space systems is increased mass. Open systems remove waste heat by producing effluents, e.g., hot hydrogen gas. Closed systems require radiators, thermal storage masses, effluent storage, or refrigeration to remove waste heat. The mass penalty incurred by addition of these devices is so severe that the option of closing space power systems should be avoided, if at all possible. The mass penalty is even more severe if the weapon system itself must also be closed. (ERA citation 12:040884)