AbstractA comprehensive tour of the complex outer planet systems is a central goal in space science. However, orbiting multiple moons of the same planet would be extremely prohibitive using traditional propulsion and power technologies. In this paper, a new mission concept, named Magnetour, is presented to facilitate the exploration of outer planet systems and address both power and propulsion challenges. This approach would enable a single spacecraft to orbit and travel between multiple moons of an outer planet, without significant propellant or onboard power source. To achieve this free-lunch ‘Grand Tour’, Magnetour exploits the unexplored combination of magnetic and multi-body gravitational fields of planetary systems, with a unique focus on using a bare electrodynamic tether for power and propulsion. Preliminary results indicate that the Magnetour concept is sound and is potentially highly promising at Jupiter.
HighlightsA propellantless concept is presented to facilitate the exploration of Jovian moons.The powerful magnetic and multi-body gravity fields of Jupiter are leveraged.Bare electrodynamic tethers are used for propulsion and power.The cost of inserting and orbiting the moons is reduced via weakly captured orbits.Heteroclinic connections are considered for science observations of the moons.
Magnetour: Surfing planetary systems on electromagnetic and multi-body gravity fields
Acta Astronautica ; 138 ; 543-558
2016-12-08
16 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
MAGNETOUR: Surfing Planetary Systems on Electromagnetic and Multi-Body Gravity Fields
Online Contents | 2016
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