This project, sponsored by the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts examines how the systematic use of space resources such as frozen volatiles can create a new paradigm in surface power generation for deep space missions. The ubiquitous presence of ices of water, carbon dioxide and other compounds throughout the Solar System under conditions favorable for their sublimation will enable novel in-space propulsion and actuation concepts to become a reality and to address one of NASA's Grand Challenges of "All Access Mobility." Accessing such a resource in the far corners of our interplanetary neighborhood let us conceive exploration missions capable of refueling in the Jovian and Saturnian systems to achieve new goals or reach new destinations. The concept also has potential to apply in-situ propulsion to a comet or an asteroid to deflectits orbit slightly to avoid a future encounter with Earth.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    In-Space Propulsion Engine Architecture Based on Sublimation of Planetary Resources: From Exploration Robots to NEO Mitigation


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2012-10-30


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English







    Human Assistant Planetary Exploration Robots

    Hirsh, R. L. / Graham, J. S. / Rochlis, J. L. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2006


    Human Assistant Planetary Exploration Robots

    Hirsh, Robert L. / Graham, Jeffrey S. / Rochlis, Jennifer L. et al. | ASCE | 2006