A concept is developed for interrelated optimizations in space missions that utilize extraterrestrial resources. It is shown that isolated (component) optimizations may not result in the best mission. It is shown that substantial benefits can be had through less than the best propellants, propellant combinations, propulsion hardware, and actually, some waste in the traditional sense. One ready example is the possibility of discarding hydrogen produced extraterrestrially by water splitting and using only the oxygen to burn storable fuels. The gains in refrigeration and leak-proof equipment mass (elimination) outweigh the loss in specific impulse. After a brief discussion of this concept, the synthesis of the four major components of any future space mission is developed. The four components are: orbital mechanics of the transportation; performance of the rocket motor; support systems that include power; thermal and process controls, and instruments; and in situ resource utilization plant equipment. This paper's main aim is to develop the concept of a figure-of-merit for the mission. The Mars Sample Return Mission is used to illustrate the new concept. At this time, a popular spreadsheet is used to quantitatively indicate the interdependent nature of the mission optimization. Future prospects are outlined that promise great economy through extraterrestrial resource utilization and a technique for quickly evaluating the same.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    A figure-of-merit approach to extraterrestrial resource utilization


    Contributors:
    Ramohalli, K. (author) / Kirsch, T. (author)


    Publication date :

    1990-01-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Figure-of-merit approach to extraterrestrial resource utilization

    Ramohalli, Kumar / Kirsch, Thomas / Preiss, Bruce | NTRS | 1992


    Figure-of-merit approach to extraterrestrial resource utilization

    RAMOHALLI, KUMAR / KIRSCH, THOMAS / PREISS, BRUCE et al. | AIAA | 1992


    A 'figure-of-merit' approach to extraterrestrial resource utilization

    Ramohalli, Kumar / Kirsch, Thomas | NTRS | 1989



    Inherent testability figure of merit

    DUNNING, B. | AIAA | 1981