The In-Space Propulsion Technology (ISPT) program was tasked in 2009 to start development of propulsion technologies that would enable future sample return missions. ISPT s sample return technology development areas are diverse. Sample Return Propulsion (SRP) addresses electric propulsion for sample return and low cost Discovery-class missions, propulsion systems for Earth Return Vehicles (ERV) including transfer stages to the destination, and low technology readiness level (TRL) advanced propulsion technologies. The SRP effort continues work on HIVHAC thruster development to transition into developing a Hall-effect propulsion system for sample return (ERV and transfer stages) and low-cost missions. Previous work on the lightweight propellant-tanks continues for sample return with direct applicability to a Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission with general applicability to all future planetary spacecraft. The Earth Entry Vehicle (EEV) work focuses on building a fundamental base of multi-mission technologies for Earth Entry Vehicles (MMEEV). The main focus of the Planetary Ascent Vehicles (PAV) area is technology development for the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), which builds upon and leverages the past MAV analysis and technology developments from the Mars Technology Program (MTP) and previous MSR studies
Status of Sample Return Propulsion Technology Development Under NASA's ISPT Program
2012
10 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Space Technology , Propulsion system configurations , Sample return missions , Technology assessment , Nasa space programs , Systems analysis , Interplanetary spacecraft , Electric propulsion , Low cost , Propulsion system performance , Thrustors , Micrometeoroids , In-Space Prpulsion technology (ISPT) , Earth Return Vehicles(ERV) , Earth Entry vehicle(EEV)