Concept Study on Deep Space Orbit Transfer Vehicle

Paper number

IAC-05-D2.3.07

Author

Dr. Yasuhiro Kawakatsu, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan

Year

2005

Abstract

In this paper, the concept of Orbit Transfer Vehicle for Deep Space Exploration (Deep Space OTV) is proposed, and its effectiveness and feasibility are discussed. 
Basic concept is the separation of two functions required for the deep space exploration, the transportation to the destination, and the exploration at the destination. Deep Space OTV is a spacecraft specialized for the transportation to the deep space destination. It is an expendable spacecraft propelled by solar electric propulsion. The payload of Deep Space OTV is Explorer, which is a spacecraft specialized for the exploration at the deep space destination.
The effectiveness of the concept is discussed qualitatively, focused on the merits of the separations of two functions. The concept enables the design of Explorer optimized to the exploration at the destination, which leads to the realization of small but capable Explorer. At the same time, the concept enables the standardized design of Deep Space OTV, which leads to the reliability enhancement and the cost reduction of Deep Space OTV.
The feasibility of Deep Space OTV is discussed based on the conceptual design of the spacecraft and its applicability to deep space missions. A few types of Deep Space OTV are designed as component level mass budget based on Japanese Asteroid Explorer “Hayabusa”. Several deep space missions are modeled and the payload capacity of Deep Space OTV is estimated. The missions include asteroid rendezvous, Mars orbiter, lunar lander, and so on.

Abstract document

IAC-05-D2.3.07.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-D2.3.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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