Mars Mission Applications Enabled By A High-Power Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) Power and Propulsion Element (PPE)

With the culmination of years of research and development in space solar power and electric propulsion systems, NASA and its partner Lanteris (formerly Maxar) are designing and building a high-power SEP Stage called the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE). High power Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) systems can enable a wide range of exploration missions, both human and robotic. In its specific application, the PPE is being designed to provide power and propulsion for Gateway, an orbital platform that will support long-term exploration missions on the moon’s surface, as part of NASA’s Artemis program. The PPE itself is a technology development effort, meant to both support the lunar exploration missions, and enable future missions through high power SEP. This paper will examine the applicability of a high power SEP system similar to the PPE’s specifications to a series of Mars mission concepts designed by NASA Glenn’s Concurrent Engineering Compass team, including its usage as both a spacecraft and a payload delivery vehicle.