Preliminary Design for Modular SEP Tug Utilizing Dream Chaser Cargo Module
- Paper number
IAC-17,D2,4,11,x39925
- Author
Mr. Jonathan Grimm, The Ohio State University College of Engineering, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Nick Salamon, The Ohio State University College of Engineering, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Andrew J. Steen, The Ohio State University, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Mason Monter, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Todd Lewis, The Ohio State University College of Engineering, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Bryan Fennell, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Iric Bernal, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. John M. Horack, The Ohio State University College of Engineering, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Elizabeth Newton, The Ohio State University, United States
- Year
2017
- Abstract
Humans are on the threshold of exploring deep space in new and sustainable ways which are very different than the modality of exploration used in the Apollo program. Whereas Apollo missions carried everything needed to reach the surface of the Moon and return safely, they also produced no lasting infrastructure in space with which to aid further exploration in the future. In a new mode of deep-space and lunar exploration, there will be an ever increasing need for such infrastructure, in particular to deploy raw material, cargo, and infrastructure needed to support human exploration. These may also include modular space systems that can be assembled in-space to further help reduce costs of these missions. Such modular systems offer many benefits, such as allowing vehicles to be stowed in launch vehicles more efficiently, enabling future reconfiguration and upgrades, as well as being able to transfer payloads between desired orbits such as between the Earth and Moon. This paper presents the results of a preliminary systems-engineering design for a modular and re-usable Earth/Moon cargo ‘tug’ vehicle, which employs the Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser(TM) Cargo Module as a structural backbone and incorporates MegaFlex(TM) Solar Array technology. The 200 kW tug would be capable of transferring payloads up to 5,500 kg between LEO and LDRO and be extensible up to 500 kW.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-17,D2,4,11,x39925.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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