Optimal cycling between cislunar and cismartian libration points with reusable nuclear electric transfer vehiclesA cyclical Mars exploration scenario is described which combines the use of libration points in the earth-moon and sun-Mars systems with a pair of reusable nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) transfer vehicles. In this approach, the NEP transfer vehicles are stationed at the cislunar and cismartian libration points, and involves short cislunar point escape and capture spirals. It eliminates any spiral requirements at Mars by utilizing the cismartian point as a transportation node. Chemical/aerobrake vehicles are used to transport humans between earth and the cislunar point as well as between Mars and the cismartian point.
Document ID
19930033914
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Sponaugle, Steven J. (McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co. Houston, TX., United States)
Rishikof, Brian H. (McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co. Houston, TX., United States)
Davis, Steven F. (McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co. Houston, TX., United States)
Pesek, Douglas A. (McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co. Houston, TX., United States)
Walyus, Diane R. (McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co. Houston, TX., United States)
Bond, Victor R. (McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co. Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: In: Spaceflight mechanics 1991; Proceedings of the 1st AAS(AIAA Annual Spaceflight Mechanics Meeting, Houston, TX, Feb. 11-13, 1991. Pt. 1 (A93-17901 05-13)