NEO-SpaceTug: a compact Solar Electrical Propulsion Carrier Module for exploration, service & orbital transfer

Paper number

IAC-16,D2,3,2,x34716

Coauthor

Mr. Xavier Roser, Thales Alenia Space France, France

Coauthor

Mr. Patrice Couzin, Thales Alenia Space France, France

Coauthor

Ms. Carole Billot, Thales Alenia Space, France

Year

2016

Abstract

Thales Alenia Space proposes a product line of Carrier Service Module based on Solar Electrical propulsion: NEO-SpaceTug. This product line combines several key innovations to offer a maximum fairing volume, mass and transfer capability to its payload.
Its compact design relies on the combination of :
\begin{itemize}\item Thin film solar array with a compact storage and simple deployment system.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Deployable Radiators\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Highly integrated avionics.\end{itemize}
These technologies benefit of synergies with new geo-telecommunication product-line enabling to benefit of optimised cost thanks to series production. 
The SpaceTug is declined in different scales optimised for targeted launcher segment:
\begin{itemize}\item NEO-SpaceTug-500: launched as piggyback on medium or heavy launchers.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item NEO-SpaceTug-20k: Optimised to maxime payload on medium and heavy launchers.\end{itemize}
The smaller version, NEO-SpaceTug-500, targets a low cost access to geostationary orbit for: telecommunication, Earth Observation (environment, meteo, ocean) or Space Observation small payloads.
The larger version will target several applications:
\begin{itemize}\item Space infrastructure deployment from a low injection to high orbits (Lunar Vicinity, Asteroid Transfer, Mars), with various capabilities: Habitat Module, Cargo, Lunar Lander.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Space infrastructure service module (power supply, stabilisation, orbital manoeuvres)\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Combined with a Rendez-Vous and Robotics Module, several servicing applications: orbit transfer, refuelling, repair, Debris Removal and transfer to graveyard or re-entry orbits.\end{itemize} 
For Manned Application, the architecture already modular, benefits of enhanced redundancies of some functions (avionics) and extended FDIR to ensure man rated reliability.
The paper highlights:
\begin{itemize}\item How the above key technologies combined with high power electrical engines make such a system feasible.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item How the product-line is defined to ensure scalability and multi-mission capability.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Examples of main missions.\end{itemize}

Abstract document

IAC-16,D2,3,2,x34716.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-16,D2,3,2,x34716.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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