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Solar System Exploration Augmented by In-Situ Resource Utilization: Human Mercury and Saturn ExplorationHuman and robotic missions to Mercury and Saturn are presented and analyzed. Unique elements of the local planetary environments are discussed and included in the analyses and assessments. Using historical studies of space exploration, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and industrialization all point to the vastness of natural resources in the solar system. Advanced propulsion benefitted from these resources in many way. While advanced propulsion systems were proposed in these historical studies, further investigation of nuclear options using high power nuclear thermal and nuclear pulse propulsion as well as advanced chemical propulsion can significantly enhance these scenarios. Updated analyses based on these historical visions will be presented. Nuclear thermal propulsion and ISRU enhanced chemical propulsion landers are assessed for Mercury missions. At Saturn, nuclear pulse propulsion with alternate propellant feed systems and Titan exploration with chemical propulsion options are discussed.
Document ID
20150004114
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Palaszewski, Bryan
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
April 2, 2015
Publication Date
January 5, 2015
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
GRC-E-DAA-TN20827
Report Number: GRC-E-DAA-TN20827
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA SciTech
Location: Kissimmee, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: January 5, 2015
End Date: January 9, 2015
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 432938.11.01.03.06.01.08
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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