RADIOISOTOPE ELECTRIC PROPULSION FOR NEW FRONTIERS CLASS MISSIONS

With the initiation of the New Frontiers Class of space science missions, small radioisotope powered spacecraft for outer planet exploration will become reality. In order for these missions to co-orbit various primitive objects and moons of interest, a highly efficient electric propulsion system is needed. The use of such a radioisotope electric propulsion system is enabled by a new direct trajectory using a medium class launch vehicle which provides most of the acceleration for the spacecraft. The electric propulsion system then provides the deceleration at the target. Key to the development, in addition to light sub-kilowatt electric propulsion and radioisotope power systems, is light spacecraft and science payload technologies. This work further explores these new radioisotope electric propulsion direct trajectories by applying them to New Frontiers Class missions which seek to answer specific questions about the solar system. Verification of past trajectories and development of new target trajectories (e.g. Jupiter and a demonstrator mission) are included.