The advent of space exploration missions, especially those aimed at establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon and beyond, necessitates the development of efficient propulsion and mission planning techniques. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of chemical and electric propulsion systems for spacecraft, focusing on optimizing propellant distribution for missions involving transfers from Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) to Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and the Lunar surface. Using mathematical modeling and optimization algorithms, we calculate the delta-v requirements for key mission segments and determine the propellant mass required for each propulsion method. The results highlight the trade-offs between the high thrust of chemical propulsion and the high specific impulse of electric propulsion. An optimization model is developed to minimize the total propellant mass, considering a hybrid approach that leverages the advantages of both propulsion types. This research contributes to the field of aerospace engineering by providing insights into propulsion system selection and mission planning for future exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and Venus.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Optimizing Propellant Distribution for Interorbital Transfers


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2024-01-01


    Remarks:

    doi:10.3390/math12060900



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    DDC:    620 / 629




    Optimizing propellant distribution for interorbital transfers

    Curtò y Díaz, Joaquim de / Zarzà y Cubero, Irene de | BASE | 2024

    Free access

    INTERORBITAL RUSSIAN NUCLEAR INTERMEDIATE AIRPORT

    ZUBOV SERGEJ NIKOLAEVICH | European Patent Office | 2016

    Free access

    Interorbital-Raketenträger mit Tankwart

    RUBINRAUT ALEXANDER | European Patent Office | 2017

    Free access

    Laser powered interorbital vehicle

    Clarke, M. T. / Cooper, J. J. / Eggleston, G. P. et al. | NTRS | 1989