Products from NASA's in-space propulsion technology program applicable to low-cost planetary missions

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• 作者：David J. Anderson ; Eric Pencil ; Daniel Vento ; Todd Peterson ; John Dankanich ; David Hahne ; Michelle M. Munk
• 关键词：Electric propulsion ; Chemical propulsion ; Aerocapture ; Entry vehicles ; Trajectory tools
• 刊名：Acta Astronautica
• 出版年：2014
• 出版时间：January, 2014
• 年：2014
• 卷：93
• 期：Complete
• 页码：516-523
• 全文大小：1483 K

文摘

Since September 2001, NASA's In-Space Propulsion Technology (ISPT) program has been developing technologies for lowering the cost of planetary science missions. Recently completed is the high-temperature Advanced Material Bipropellant Rocket (AMBR) engine providing higher performance for lower cost. Two other cost saving technologies nearing completion are the NEXT ion thruster and the Aerocapture technology project. Under development are several technologies for low-cost sample return missions. These include a low-cost Hall-effect thruster (HIVHAC) which will be completed in 2011, light-weight propellant tanks, and a Multi-Mission Earth Entry Vehicle (MMEEV). This paper will discuss the status of the technology development, the cost savings or performance benefits, and applicability of these in-space propulsion technologies to NASA's future Discovery, and New Frontiers missions, as well as their relevance for sample return missions.