| 摘要 |
<p>A solar thermal rocket that includes a thermal energy storage section, a radiant inter-heater, a primary solar concentrator, and a propulsion nozzle. The primary solar concentrator is selectively movable to direct solar energy to either the thermal energy storage section or to the radiant inter-heater. The thermal energy storage section, along with insulation, is arranged to define a cavity such that a focused beam of solar rays can enter the cavity through an aperture in the insulation. The thermal energy storage section typically absorbs and stores solar energy during the non-propulsion portion of the orbital period. The solar rays are captured and absorbed and thereby heat the thermal energy storage section to very high temperatures. A radiant inter-heater directly receives concentrated solar rays and transfers the heat to the propellant during the propulsion phase. The propellant heated by the inter-heater is directed through the thermal energy storage section where it is further heated to its peak temperature and then expelled through the nozzle to produce thrust. With the inter-heater, the rate of heat extraction from the thermal energy storage section is reduced, prolonging the period of peak propellant temperature, resulting in an overall higher average specific impulse.</p> |
