Vehicle and Mission Design Options for the Human Exploration of Mars/Phobos Using Bimodal Ntr and Lantr Propulsion

Vehicle and Mission Design Options for the Human Exploration of Mars/Phobos Using Bimodal Ntr and Lantr Propulsion

Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2018-07-15

Total Pages: 50

ISBN-13: 9781722935047

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The nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) is one of the leading propulsion options for future human missions to Mars because of its high specific impulse (Isp-850-1000 s) capability and its attractive engine thrust-to-weight ratio (approximately equal 3-10). To stay within the available mass and payload volume limits of a "Magnum" heavy lift vehicle, a high performance propulsion system is required for trans-Mars injection (TMI). An expendable TMI stage, powered by three 15 thousand pounds force (klbf) NTR engines is currently under consideration by NASA for its Design Reference Mission (DRM). However, because of the miniscule burnup of enriched uranium-235 during the Earth departure phase (approximately 10 grams out of 33 kilograms in each NTR core), disposal of the TMI stage and its engines after a single use is a costly and inefficient use of this high performance stage. By reconfiguring the engines for both propulsive thrust and modest power generation (referred to as "bimodal" operation), a robust, multiple burn, "power-rich" stage with propulsive Mars capture and reuse capability is possible, A family of modular "bimodal" NTR (BNTR) vehicles are described which utilize a common "core" stage powered by three 15 klbf BNTRs that produce 50 kWe of total electrical power for crew life support, an active refrigeration / reliquification system for long term, "zero-boiloff" liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage, and high data rate communications. An innovative, spine-like "saddle truss" design connects the core stage and payload element and is open underneath to allow supplemental "in-line" propellant tanks and contingency crew consumables to be easily jettisoned to improve vehicle performance. A "modified" DRM using BNTR transfer vehicles requires fewer transportation system elements, reduces IMLEO and mission risk, and simplifies space operations. By taking the next logical step--use of the BNT...


New Views of the Moon

New Views of the Moon

Author: Bradley L. Jolliff

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2018-12-17

Total Pages: 756

ISBN-13: 1501509535

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Volume 60 of Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry assesses the current state of knowledge of lunar geoscience, given the data sets provided by missions of the 1990's, and lists remaining key questions as well as new ones for future exploration to address. It documents how a planet or moon other than the world on which we live can be studied and understood in light of integrated suites of specific kinds of information. The Moon is the only body other than Earth for which we have material samples of known geologic context for study. This volume seeks to show how the different kinds of information gained about the Moon relate to each other and also to learn from this experience, thus allowing more efficient planning for the exploration of other worlds.


Bringing the Future Within Reach

Bringing the Future Within Reach

Author: Robert S. Arrighi

Publisher: Government Printing Office

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 428

ISBN-13: 9780160932106

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The book documents Glenn's many research specialties over those 75 years. Among them are early jet engines and rockets; flight safety and fuel efficiency tested in premier icing and wind tunnels; liquid hydrogen fuel which, despite skeptics like aerospace engineer Wernher von Braun, helped the U.S. win the race to the moon; and electric propulsion, considered key to future space flight. Space enthusiasts, aviation personnel, aerospace engineers, and inventors may be interested in this comprehensive and milestone volume. Other related products: NASA at 50: Interviews With NASA\'s Senior Leadership can be found here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/033-000-01360-4 Other products published by National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) can be found here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/agency/550


Manned Mars Explorer Project

Manned Mars Explorer Project

Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2018-07-08

Total Pages: 70

ISBN-13: 9781722627072

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The Manned Mars Explorer (MME) project responds to the fundamental problems of sending human beings to Mars in a mission scenario and schematic vehicle designs. The mission scenario targets an opposition class Venus inbound swingby for its trajectory with concentration on Phobos and/or Deimos as a staging base for initial and future Mars vicinity operations. Optional vehicles are presented as a comparison using nuclear electric power/propulsion technology. A Manned Planetary Vehicle and Crew Command Vehicle are used to accomplish the targeted mission. The Manned Planetary Vehicle utilizes the mature technology of chemical propulsion combined with an advanced aerobrake, tether and pressurized environment system. The Crew Command Vehicle is the workhorse of the mission performing many different functions including a manned Mars landing, and Phobos rendezvous. Nolan, Sean and Neubek, Deb and Baxmann, C. J. Unspecified Center...


Manned Mars Explorer Project: Guidelines for a Manned Mission to the Vicinity of Mars Using Phobos as a Staging Outpost; Schematic Vehicle Designs C

Manned Mars Explorer Project: Guidelines for a Manned Mission to the Vicinity of Mars Using Phobos as a Staging Outpost; Schematic Vehicle Designs C

Author: National Aeronautics and Space Adm Nasa

Publisher: Independently Published

Published: 2018-11-03

Total Pages: 70

ISBN-13: 9781730791970

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The Manned Mars Explorer (MME) project responds to the fundamental problems of sending human beings to Mars in a mission scenario and schematic vehicle designs. The mission scenario targets an opposition class Venus inbound swingby for its trajectory with concentration on Phobos and/or Deimos as a staging base for initial and future Mars vicinity operations. Optional vehicles are presented as a comparison using nuclear electric power/propulsion technology. A Manned Planetary Vehicle and Crew Command Vehicle are used to accomplish the targeted mission. The Manned Planetary Vehicle utilizes the mature technology of chemical propulsion combined with an advanced aerobrake, tether and pressurized environment system. The Crew Command Vehicle is the workhorse of the mission performing many different functions including a manned Mars landing, and Phobos rendezvous. Nolan, Sean and Neubek, Deb and Baxmann, C. J. Unspecified Center...