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Concept for a Lunar Transfer Vehicle for Small Satellite Delivery to the Moon from the International Space StationThe International Space Station (ISS) has developed as a very capable center for scientific research in Lower Earth Orbit. An additional potential of the ISS that has not thus far been exploited, is the use of this orbiting plat-form for the assembly and launching of vehicles that could be sent to more distant destinations. This paper reports the results of a recent study that looked at an architecture and conceptual flight system design for a lunar transfer vehicle (LTV) that could be delivered to the ISS in segments, assembled, loaded with payload and launched from the ISS with the objective of delivering multiple small and micro satellites to lunar orbit. The design of the LTV was optimized for low cost and high payload capability, as well as ease of assembly. The resulting design would use solar electric propulsion (SEP) to carry a total payload mass of ~250 kg from the ISS to a 100 km lunar orbit. A preliminary concept of operations was developed considering currently available delivery options and ISS capabili-ties that should prove flexible enough to accommodate a variety of payloads and missions. This paper will present an overview of the study, including key trades, mission and flight system design, and notional operational concept.
Document ID
20150008937
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Elliott, John
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Alkalai, Leon
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
May 26, 2015
Publication Date
September 27, 2010
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Space Transportation And Safety
Report/Patent Number
IAC-10-B4.8.8
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Astronautical Congress
Location: Prague
Country: Czechoslovakia
Start Date: September 27, 2010
End Date: October 1, 2010
Sponsors: International Astronautical Federation
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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