Lunar Get Away Special (GAS) spacecraftA new approach to the resumption of Lunar missions is discussed which relies upon Shuttle Get-Away-Special Canisters for launch and solar electric ion propulsion for slow orbit transfer to low Lunar orbit. The technique of orbit transfer is outlined along with a summary of a mission profile for a first mission which could carry a Gamma Ray Spectrometer. System design constraints are discussed followed by a description of the low mass spacecraft concept which has been developed. Particular emphasis is placed upon describing the small solar electric, xenon ion propulsion system.
Document ID
19870052358
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Nock, K. T. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Aston, G. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Salazar, R. P. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Stella, P. M. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)