Radioisotopic Electric Propulsion (REP) has the potential to provide certain advantages for outer planetary exploration involving small bodies and long term investigation s for medium class missions requiring power comparable to past outer planetary exploration missions. This paper describes a preliminary conceptual design of a REP-based spacecraft where the mission of interest involves a spacecraft with a radioisotope power supply less than one kilowatt while operating at a minimum of 10-years. A key element of the REP spacecraft is to insure sustained science return by orbiting or flying in formation with selected targets. Utilizing current/impending technological advances, REP orbiter/explorer missions may provide a valuable tool for extended scientific investigations of small bodies in the outer solar system.
Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP) Spacecraft Design Concept Considerations
2005
10 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Radioisotope electric propulsion missions utilizing a common spacecraft design
Online Contents | 2005
|Radioisotope electric propulsion missions utilizing a common spacecraft design
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2005
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