We demonstrate that a low-cost spacecraft bus based on the Propulsive ESPA architecture, launched as a directed facility alongside a mission to the outer solar system, enables innovative and viable SIMPLEx-class missions to the outer solar system and achieve high-value science objectives. As a case study, we present a Propulsive ESPA bus that could be launched with the Dragonfly mission toward the Saturn System and carry two small spacecraft weighing up to 130 kg each. We advocate a mission architecture that enables delivering multiple small missions to the Saturn System on a stand-alone Carrier-Relay Spacecraft (CRSC) that flies independently, and poses zero impact on the Dragonfly Mission. To accommodate this architecture, the launch vehicle will require an upgrade from Dragonfly's notional Atlas V 411 to Atlas V 541. Raising the SIMPLEx cost cap from the current $55M, and excluding Phase E costs will also make outer-planet missions viable in the SIMPLEx program. We have identified multiple high-value mission concepts that fit within the 130 kg limit. As examples, we present concepts for Saturn Probe, Saturn Ring In-Situ Explorer, Magnetospheric Explorer, and Enceladus Plume Sampler.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Extending SIMPLEx-Class Mission Opportunities to the Outer Solar System



    Conference:

    Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) Meeting 2020 ; 2020 ; Houston, TX, US


    Publication date :

    2020-02-03


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English






    Mission building blocks for outer solar system exploration.

    Herman, D. / Tarver, P. / Moore, J. | NTRS | 1973


    Solar Sailing: Technology and Mission Opportunities

    William K. Wilkie / Les Johnson / Roy Young et al. | NTRS


    Helios and Prometheus: A Solar-Nuclear Outer-Solar System Mission

    Matloff, Gregory L. | Online Contents | 2007