SLS with Kick Stages for Outer Planet Science Missions

摘要

Interest in the outer planets of our solar system remains high following several recent high profile missions. These science missions to the outer planets require significant energy to deliver payloads. This energy typically results in either multiple planetary flybys or very small payloads or both. NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) heavy launch vehicle is being developed as part of NASA's directive to return to the moon, followed by crewed missions to Mars. Along with delivering crew to cislunar space, SLS will also have the capability to launch science payloads for high energy outer planet missions. Adding a kick stage on top of SLS further increases SLS's capability for these missions. This paper discusses the capability of SLS, with and without kick stages, to deliver payloads for outer planet missions. Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems currently produces a number of solid motors that could be used as kick stages, and this paper analyzes the results, advantages, and disadvantages of using these motors along with SLS to deliver larger payloads with shorter mission times for outer planet science missions.