Earth-Mars trajectories for multiple solar-powered spacecraft configurations were generated using Hall and ion propulsion systems utilizing the Direct Trajectory Optimization Method. Payload and power trades versus trip time were examined. Performance was compared for purely interplanetary flight and interplanetary flight with estimated spiral in to Mars orbit. Evaluating current ion and Hall thruster technologies, similar payload masses were delivered by each at equivalent trip times, but with the Hall thruster operating at a power level 10 kilowatts, on average, less than the ion thruster. The power difference for equivalent payload delivered should result in a significant cost savings.
A Comparison of Electric Propulsion Systems for Mars Exploration
39th Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit ; 2003 ; Huntsville, AL, United States
01.09.2003
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
A COMPARISON OF ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEMS FOR MARS EXPLORATION
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003
|Solar Electric Propulsion for Mars Exploration
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|Electric Propulsion for Manned Mars Exploration
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