A modular orbital transfer vehicle for scientific and cargo transportation missions called MESCATS was investigated, in particular for advanced transportations between operational bases as well in a geostationary orbit such as a lunar orbit. A cluster of electrical ion-thrusters (RIT 35) was considered as the main propulsion system. The MESCATS is, due to its high specific impulse (up to 38,000 Nsec/kg), an interesting candidate providing not only high delta velocity increments (relevant in particular for scientific missions), but is especially economic for cargo missions (Earth/Moon). It appears feasible to develop an E-OTV like MESCATS which could meet a wide range of operational requirements (such as payload mass, orbital transfer time, velocity increment) with key elements assumed to be available in Europe in the medium term.


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    Title :

    Electrical Transfer Vehicle Analysis for Future Space Operations (MESCATS)


    Contributors:
    W. Kleinau (author) / D. E. Koelle (author) / W. Mueller (author)

    Publication date :

    1988


    Size :

    8 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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