The ion drive program - Comet rendezvous issues for SEPS developersPreliminary steps have been taken in a joint high-priority project between NASA and the European Space Agency, whereby a Solar Electric Propulsion System (SEPS), using ion drive of a 25-30 kilowatt power level, will be utilized for the first time, as part of the Space Transportation System, in powering a probe to be deployed toward Halley's comet in 1985 and a separate spacecraft which will rendezvous with the Temple 2 comet in 1988 and study it for one year. Unlike ballistically-launched vehicles, an unprecedented long-term interaction between the SEPS, the primary source of power and attitude control, and the spacecraft, responsible for data handling (at a rate of 10-120 kilobits per second), and command and telecommunications to earth (requiring capabilities at both X- and S-band frequencies, for dual-frequency navigational tracking), is required, as mission phases alternate between powered flight and science data-taking. Different design sensitivities are presented graphically.
Document ID
19800029135
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Atkins, K. L. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Space Program Development Office, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1979
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 79-2066
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Electric Propulsion Conference