SATELLITE MASS DISTRIBUTION AND SENSITIVITY The percent of the satellite mass in each element of the efficiency chain is shown in this chart. As is seen, more than 60 percent of the mass of the satellite is associated with the thermal engines and radiator for rejecting unusable heat. The mass sensitivity of the satellite is shown in terms of the change in the mass of the satellite if the efficiency of that link of the efficiency chain changed by one percent. For example, if the beam collection link changed from 93 to 94 percent, the mass of the satellite would change from 222 million pounds to 219.5 million pounds. It is clear from this chart that efforts to maximize efficiency of the ground elements of the system and the RF transmission link can have a great payoff in reducing the satellite mass requirements.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==