In response to a request by the NASA Deep Space Exploration Technology Program, NASA Glenn Research Center conducted a study to identify advanced technology options to perform a Pluto/Kuiper mission without depending on a 2004 Jupiter Gravity Assist, but still arriving before 2020. A concept using a direct trajectory with small, sub-kilowatt ion thrusters and Stirling radioisotope power systems was shown to allow the same or smaller launch vehicle class as the chemical 2004 baseline and allow a launch slip and still flyby in the 2014 to 2020 timeframe. With this promising result the study was expanded to use a radioisotope power source for small electrically propelled orbiter spacecraft for outer planet targets such as Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.


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    Title :

    Outer Planet Exploration with Advanced Radioisotope Electric Propulsion


    Contributors:
    S. Oleson (author) / L. Gefert (author) / M. Patterson (author) / J. Schreiber (author) / S. Benson (author)

    Publication date :

    2002


    Size :

    20 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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