Astrodynamics Conference · 1986 · 14 citations · 1 references
EngineeringAerospace EngineeringOrbital MechanicsPropulsionSpacecraft DesignInterplanetary Spacecraft DesignInterplanetary TrajectoriesOrbital TransfersSpace ExplorationEarth-to-orbit Trajectory DesignInterplanetary Transfer OrbitsInterplanetary Transfer TrajectoriesOrbit Transfer DesignOrbital Transfer TrajectoriesPlanetary OrbitsTransfer Orbit DesignTransfer Orbits
New orbit types VISIT and Up/Down Escalators cycle continuously between Earth and Mars, enabling a large crew facility (CASTLE) to remain in orbit while smaller crew transfer vehicles shuttle between planetary orbits, assuming a mature Martian base and use of extraterrestrial propellants. The study aims to characterize propellant mass requirements for two new orbit transfer types between Earth and Mars, examining trajectory options, infrastructure, and underlying assumptions. The authors analyze trajectory options and infrastructure elements, detailing assumptions underlying the propellant mass calculations. Performance results for each of the three orbit transfer options are presented, indicating the propellant mass requirements for the new transfer types.
The results of a study performed to characterize the propellant mass requirements of two new types of orbit transfers between earth and Mars are discussed. These new orbit types, called VISIT and Up/Down Escalators, cycle continuously between the two planets, allowing a large crew facility, or CASTLE, to remain in this orbit with smaller crew transfer vehicles, or Taxis, used to shuttle between planetary orbits and this vehicle. Trajectory options and infrastructure elements are discussed along with the assumptions made in this study. The latter include the existence of a mature Martian base and the production and use of extraterrestrial propellants. Performance results from each of the three orbit transfer options presented here are discussed.
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Viking First Encounter of Phobos: Preliminary Results
R. H. Tolson, T. Duxbury, George H. Born et al. · Science · 1978 · 44 citations