FAST INTERPLANETARY MISSIONS WITH LOW-THRUST PROPULSION SYSTEMS
A simple family of indirect transfer trajectories between circular orbits is used to evaluate the mass ratio required to complete round-trip interplanetary missions using lowthrust propulsion systems. The results indicate that indirect interplanetary trajectories yield substantial reductions in total round-trip time for low-thrust as well as high-thrust vehicles, and that space vehicles propelled direct interplanetary trajectories yield substantial reductions in total round-trip time for low-thrust as well as high-thrust vehicles, and that space vehicles propelled with electric rockets may produce greater reductions in trip time, for a given initial weight, than those propelled by high-thrust nuclear rockets. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Lewis Research Center, Cleveland
- NSA Number:
- NSA-14-024671
- OSTI ID:
- 4147718
- Report Number(s):
- NASA-TR-R-79
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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