High Power Solar Electric Propulsion for Human Space Exploration Architectures IEPC 2011-261 Presented at the 32 nd International Electric Propulsion Conference , Wiesbaden • Germany September 11 – 15 , 2011

Aerojet has identified an affordable architecture for human exploration of deep space. Following the key tenets of launch and in-space commonality, efficient in-space transportation, and phased capability development drives the overall cost of missions to the Moon, NEOs, Phobos, and the surface of Mars to within NASA’s existing Exploration budget while ensuring that risks to the crew and mission are minimized. Using high power solar electric tugs to preposition all non-time critical cargo and using conventional LOX/H2 high thrust systems for crew transportation enables the use of smaller launch vehicles with great commonality across NASA, DoD, and commercial missions, distributing fixed launch costs across a broad customer base and dramatically reducing exploration costs. Both 300kW and 600kW SEP Tugs are used for pre-placement of habitats, exploration equipment, and return vehicles at the destinations, allowing complete systems verification prior to crew Earth departure, significantly reducing the risks from the crewed portion of the mission. Missions are phased to spread development, production, and mission operations costs and enable incremental expansion of demonstrated exploration capabilities, culminating in a human mission to the surface of Mars in 2033.