Radioisotopic Electric Propulsion (REP) has the potential to provide certain advantages for outer planetary exploration involving small bodies and long term investigation s for medium class missions requiring power comparable to past outer planetary exploration missions. This paper describes a preliminary conceptual design of a REP-based spacecraft where the mission of interest involves a spacecraft with a radioisotope power supply less than one kilowatt while operating at a minimum of 10-years. A key element of the REP spacecraft is to insure sustained science return by orbiting or flying in formation with selected targets. Utilizing current/impending technological advances, REP orbiter/explorer missions may provide a valuable tool for extended scientific investigations of small bodies in the outer solar system.


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    Title :

    Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP) Spacecraft Design Concept Considerations


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Space Technology and Applications International Forum (STAIF-2005) ; 2005 ; Albuquerque, NM, United States


    Publication date :

    2005-02-15


    Type of media :

    Preprint


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English








    Radioisotope electric propulsion missions utilizing a common spacecraft design

    Fiehler, D. / Oleson, S. / International Astronautical Federation et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2005