NEPTranS; A Shuttle-Tended NEP Interplanetary Transportation System

摘要

Recently, a study was performed by a team from JPL and the DOE to develop a mission architecture for arnreusable NEP Interplanetary Transfer Vehicle, a "Space Truck". This vehicle is designed to be used for delivery ofrnpayloads from Earth to a variety of destinations, including Mars and Venus, dependent on mission needs. In addition torndelivering payloads to the target bodies, the vehicle is designed to perform autonomous rendezvous and capture ofrnsample return capsules at the destination for return to Earth. In order to maximize the utility of the vehicle, its design isrnoptimized for servicing between missions with the Space Shuttle. Fuel tanks, ion thrusters, and Power Managementrnand Distribution electronics are all on-orbit replaceable units, located at the payload interface end of the spacecraft tornensure a minimal radiation dose to the Shuttle and crew during maintenance and resupply operations. Operationalrnflexibility is maximized through the use of replaceable fuel tanks and thrusters, allowing tailoring of fuel load to anyrngiven destination and payload mass. This paper discusses the preliminary design developed for the NEP InterplanetaryrnTransfer Vehicle, including its configuration and design features, and outlines the concept for mission design, includingrndiscussion of unique requirements for launch, deployment and operations with the Space Shuttle, and rendezvous andrnservicing by the Shuttle in Earth orbit following a return from each target destination.