The feasibility of constructing a high-voltage electric generator (HEG) transforming kinetic energy of particles of the radiation belts into electric power is considered. The maximum specific power of the generator is theoretically evaluated for a particular case of setting it inside the natural radiation belts of the Earth (ERB). It is demonstrated that from the viewpoint of weight parameters, the suggested design of HEG is quite competitive (at least in the region of domination of the ERB proton flux) with power sources of low-thrust spacecraft operating on conventional principles.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)486-492
Number of pages7
JournalCosmic Research
Volume44
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2006

    Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

ID: 39381765