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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Investigation Of A Lagrangian-Point Propellant Depot Rendezvous Approach For An Interplanetary Mission To Mars, Joshua W. Ehrlich
Investigation Of A Lagrangian-Point Propellant Depot Rendezvous Approach For An Interplanetary Mission To Mars, Joshua W. Ehrlich
Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses
This thesis investigates the feasibility of a refueling station for a beyond Earth orbit (BEO) mission. The propellant depot is located at the L2 -Lagrangian point within the Earth-Moon system. This investigation determines if a refueling mission will reduce propulsive energy requirements necessary for Earth departure of a BEO-vehicle to achieve an interplanetary transfer to Mars. Furthermore, this research presents a trade study which identifies approximate total requirements for a direct and rendezvous mission to Mars as well as the necessary fuel masses to complete each approach. This analysis provides conclusive information in determining the benefits in utilizing a …
Orbital Debris Removal Technologies: A Hybrid Electrodynamic Tether And Ion Beam Shepherd Satellite Design For Fuel Efficient Contactless Debris Removal, JöRn Mumme
Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses
Space debris poses a serious threat to humanities efforts at space exploration as well as the expanding uses for earth-orbiting satellites. This thesis investigates the proposed technologies for the debris's removal both large and small. Focus is applied to the large debris removal technologies since the small size category is dominated by the ORION laser system. Furthermore, the large debris objects pose the most destructive threat upon impact to satellites. Electrodynamic tethers (EDT) as well as their control strategies, ion-beam shepherds (IBS), and tradition thruster methods are investigated for effectiveness and feasibility. Hybrid combinations of these technologies are investigated in …