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U.S. Department of Energy
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Mars ascent propulsion on a minimum scale

Conference ·
OSTI ID:295437

A concept is presented for a single stage vehicle intended to lift a Mars sample to an orbital rendezvous. At 200 kg liftoff mass, it can potentially be delivered by a Mars Pathfinder size aeroshell. Based on launch vehicle design principles, propellants are pumped from thin-walled low pressure tanks into compact high pressure thrusters. Technical risk is reduced by using non-cryogenic propellants, and by driving piston pumps with heated helium.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
295437
Report Number(s):
UCRL-JC--128557; CONF-9804104--; ON: DE98054682
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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