Fast Solar System transportation with electric propulsion powered by directed energy

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Fast Solar System transportation with electric propulsion powered by directed energy

Sheerin, Todd F. / Petro, Elaine / Winters, Kelley / Lozano, Paulo / Lubin, Philip

Abstract Exploration of the Solar System is constrained by interplanetary transfer technology. Current propulsion architectures do not allow for trajectories much faster than Hohmann transfers, implying elevated health risks and mission costs associated with multi-year human spaceflight missions and even longer robotic mission times. Proposed advanced nuclear and exotic systems involve immature component technologies and high degrees of complexity, cost, and risk. Breakthrough improvements may be possible with electric propulsion powered by directed energy, where a large-aperture laser phased array directs energy to photovoltaics on electric propulsion vehicles. Narrowband intensity gain over sunlight would lower onboard power system specific mass (kg/kW) to enable fast Solar System missions without advanced nuclear or exotic power and propulsion systems. The proposed architecture is modular and offers scalability from nanosatellites to human missions, with opportunities for operational systems and Solar System exploration along a technology development roadmap.

Highlights • Interplanetary laser electric propulsion is feasible with current technology. • High power to mass ratio at laser-illuminated photovoltaics enables fast transits. • Solar System mission design and analysis methodology introduced with examples. • Architecture inherently scalable and flexible to photovoltaic, thruster selection. • Incremental roadmap identified from CubeSats to Mars-in-a-Month human missions.