Outer-Planet Mission Analysis Using Solar-Electric Ion Propulsion

Outer-planet mission analysis was performed using three next generation solar-electric ion thruster models. Optimal trajectories are presented that maximize the delivered mass to the designated outer planet. Trajectories to Saturn and Neptune with a single Venus gravity assist are investigated. For each thruster model, the delivered mass versus flight time curve was generated to obtain thruster model performance. The effects of power to the thrusters and resonance ratio of Venutian orbital periods to spacecraft period were also studied. Multiple locally optimal trajectories to Saturn and Neptune have been discovered in different regions of the parameter search space. The characteristics of each trajectory are noted.