Systems analyses were performed for a Titan Explorer Mission characterized by Earth-Saturn transfer stages using solar electric power generation and propulsion systems for primary interplanetary propulsion, and chemical propulsion for capture at Titan. An examination of a range of system factors was performed to determine their effect on the payload delivery capability to Titan. The effect of varying launch vehicle type, solar array power level, ion thruster number, specific impulse, trip time, and Titan capture stage chemical propellant choice was investigated. The major purpose of the study was to demonstrate the efficacy of applying advanced ion propulsion system technologies like NASA's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT), coupled with state-of-the-art (SOA) and advanced chemical technologies to a Flagship class mission.


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    Title :

    Solar Electric and Chemical Propulsion for a Titan Mission


    Contributors:
    M. Cupples (author) / S. E. Green (author) / B. B. Donahue (author) / V. L. Coverstone (author)

    Publication date :

    2005


    Size :

    36 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    SOLAR ELECTRIC AND CHEMICAL PROPULSION FOR A TITAN MISSION

    Cupples, M. / American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics / Society of Automotive Engineers et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003


    Solar Electric and Chemical Propulsion for a Titan Mission

    Michael Cupples / Shaun Green / Victoria Coverstone et al. | AIAA | 2006