Sensitivity of Hybrid NEP-Chemical Vehicle Mass to Assumptions for Crewed Opposition-Class Mars Missions

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Sensitivity of Hybrid NEP-Chemical Vehicle Mass to Assumptions for Crewed Opposition-Class Mars Missions

Matthew Duchek / Matteo Clark / Alejandro Pensado / Christopher Harnack / William Machemer / Emanuel Grella

This research illustrates the impact of different technology choices and their associated performance on overall sizing for a hybrid Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) and chemical crewed Mars transportation vehicle. A set of models for the trajectory and vehicle mass, power system specific mass(α), and power conversion performance enable the analysis. Vehicle mass required to close the mission is calculated as a function of α and specific impulse (Isp) for multiple choices of high-level assumptions including system alpha vs. power scaling and electric thruster type. System alpha is built up and compared for multiple cases of technology assumptions. A Brayton cycle model is used to illustrate the alpha sensitivities to assumptions in cycle design such as peak operating temperature and component performance. The analysis illustrates how technology performance sensitivities affect the alpha and thus vehicle sizing for a range of mission and technology assumptions.

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Title :

Sensitivity of Hybrid NEP-Chemical Vehicle Mass to Assumptions for Crewed Opposition-Class Mars Missions

Contributors:

Matthew Duchek (author) / Matteo Clark (author) / Alejandro Pensado (author) / Christopher Harnack (author) / William Machemer (author) / Emanuel Grella (author)

Conference:

AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum ; 2021 ; Virtual , US

Type of media :

Conference paper

Type of material :

No indication

Language :

English

Keywords :

Spacecraft Propulsion And Power