Modular, Ion-Propelled, Orbit-Transfer Vehicle

The design approach is presented for a modular, ion-propelled, orbit transfer vehicle (OTV). The OTV consists of a propulsion module that can be returned to Earth via the Shuttle for refueling and refurbishment, and a reusable power bus that mates to the spacecraft paylpad and remains in orbit. The technologies required to make the OTV concept both technically and economically feasible are identified. As an example of how the OTV could be applied, the NAVSTAR/Global Positioning System (GPS) Block 3 mission is examined using both conventional (expendable) chemical stages and the ion propulsion OTV. The OTV approach is shown to be particularly attractive, from a cost standpoint, for the specific application to GPS. The high specific impulse provided by ion propulsion is shown to result in a new reduction of $145 to 195 million in overall cost for the GPS Block 3 mission as compared with the cost using the Payload Assist Module (PAM) D-II chemical propulsion stage. This reusable OTV approach is believed to be equally attractive for other missions that require multiple launches.

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