INNNOVATIVE INTERSTELLAR EXPLORER

摘要

An interstellar "precursor" mission has been under discussion for over 25 years. Many fundamental scientific questions about the nature of the surrounding galactic medium and its interaction with the solar system can only be answered by in situ measurements that such a mission would provide. Therefore, the challenge is the development of a science probe that would reach a heliocentric distance of at least 200 astronomical units (AU) in 15 years or less with an average speed almost four times the 3.6-AU/yr speed of Voyager 1. Previous studies have looked at the use of a near-Sun perihelion propulsive maneuver, solar sails, and large fission-reactor-powered nuclear electric propulsion systems (NEP) for the enabling propulsion. We present here an alternative approach - the Innovative Interstellar Explorer (IIE) - based on Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP). The required speed is achieved by a high-energy launch, using current launch vehicle technology, followed by long-term, low-thrust, continuous acceleration enabled by a kilowatt-class ion thruster. The electric power is provided by advanced Stirling radioisotope generators (SRGs) based on Pu-238 General Purpose Heat Sources (GPHS). We discuss the science, payload, ongoing trade studies, and development of this approach to an interstellar probe.