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Small Solar Electric Propulsion Spacecraft Concept for Near Earth Object and Inner Solar System MissionsNear Earth Objects (NEOs) and other primitive bodies are exciting targets for exploration. Not only do they provide clues to the early formation of the universe, but they also are potential resources for manned exploration as well as provide information about potential Earth hazards. As a step toward exploration outside Earth's sphere of influence, NASA is considering manned exploration to Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs), however hazard characterization of a target is important before embarking on such an undertaking. A small Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) spacecraft would be ideally suited for this type of mission due to the high delta-V requirements, variety of potential targets and locations, and the solar energy available in the inner solar system.Spacecraft and mission trades have been performed to develop a robust spacecraft design that utilizes low cost, off-the-shelf components that could accommodate a suite of different scientific payloads for NEO characterization. Mission concepts such as multiple spacecraft each rendezvousing with different NEOs, single spacecraft rendezvousing with separate NEOs, NEO landers, as well as other inner solar system applications (Mars telecom orbiter) have been evaluated. Secondary launch opportunities using the Expendable Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) Grande launch adapter with unconstrained launch dates have also been examined.
Document ID
20120013812
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Lang, Jared J.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Randolph, Thomas M.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
McElrath, Timothy P.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Baker, John D.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Strange, Nathan J.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Landau, Damon
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Wallace, Mark S.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Snyder, J. Steve
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Piacentine, Jamie S.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Malone, Shane
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Bury, Kristen M.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Tracy, William H.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 26, 2013
Publication Date
June 21, 2011
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: IAA Low-Cost Planetary Missions Conference
Location: Laurel, MD
Country: United States
Start Date: June 21, 2011
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP)
Expendable Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA)
Near Earth Objects (NEO)

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