How can solar electric propulsion systems make deep-space travel more realistic?

Annotated Bibliography

Anderson, D. J., Pencil, E., Vento, D., Peterson, T., Dankanich, J., Hahne, D., & Munk, M. M.
(2014). “Products from NASA's in-space propulsion technology program applicable to
low-cost planetary missions”.​ Acta Astronautica, 93​, 516-523.2012.07.006

Anderson details the next generation of space propulsion systems and connects them to
the reduction of space travel costs. He highlights the development of ion thrusters, leading into
what they’ve become today. Anderson (2014) claims, “advancement of solar electric propulsion
systems to enable wide variety of new missions throughout the solar system” (p. 2). Elaborating
on the uses of ion thrusters and how they can become more qualified for the missions that
traditional propulsion systems, “The high specific impulse, or efficiency of electric propulsion
system, allows direct trajectories to multiple targets that are infeasible using chemical
propulsion”(p. 3). Finally he concludes the article with a rough estimate of the benefits that come
with the new technology “represents an additional 70% reduction in mass, 50% reduction in
footprint, and 50% reduction in cost over the baseline”(p. 7).

Gao, Y., & Kluever, C. A. (2005). “Engine-switching strategies for interplanetary solar-electric
-propulsion spacecraft”.​ Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, ​42(4), 765-767.
doi:10.2514/1.14973

Gao and Kluever elaborate on the conversion from conventional chemical propulsion
systems to new-aged Xenon thruster system (NEXT) , making what was a concept into a reality.
With the new engine swap Gao describes the new possibilities that are possible using the new
NEXT system. Including more payload during travel and creating a more efficient spacecraft for
long distance travel. On the other side of the spectrum Gao and Kluever examine the NEXT
system with some doubts in mind. For example, they propose “the NEXT can only be operated
within an acceptable input power range, and therefore it provides a limited thrust.”(p. 1). This
leads Gao and Kluever (2005) to conclude, “Consequently, multiple NEXT engines are needed
to increase the total thrust acceleration level that is required for high energy interplanetary
missions”(p. 1). After calculating the efficiency and engine firing sequence they found “indicate
that operating multiple engines always occur at the same input power, specific impulse, and
thruster efficiency for each engine”(p. 1). Leading to the conclusion that in the their current state,
both propulsion systems have their benefits and restraints but in time as technology develops,
more advancements will counteract the restraints.

Martynov, M. B., & Petukhov, V. G. (2012). “Applications of electric propulsion in scientific

space projects: Benefits, features, and implementation examples”.​ Solar System Research
46(7), 523-530. doi:10.1134/S0038094612070180

Martynov and Petukhov describe the benefits and applications of the electric propulsion
systems. They start off by breaking electric propulsion into three main categories: electrothermal,
electrostatic, and plasma electromagnetic thus enhancing the reader's understanding of electric
propulsion systems. They then address the benefits that come with electric propulsion. Then
elaborating on the calculations needed for the experimentation (2012), “the module structure of
the electric propulsion system; the parameters needed to calculate its mass (first of all, the mass
of fuel and tanks); the type and number electric thrusters”(p. 3) .One of the problems solved with
electric propulsion is how to increase mass payload on spacecrafts. Martynov and Petukhov
respond with “A promising and effective solution to this problem is the use of electric propulsion
systems (EPSs) instead of the traditional upper stages and sustainer propulsion systems operating
on chemical fuel”(p. 1). Continuing to elaborate on the topic of electric propulsion Martynov and
Petukhov claim, “One of the key elements of an electric propulsion system is electric thrusters
(ETs). There is a certain nomenclature for thrusters using the electricity generated by the
onboard electrical power plant as a source of energy for propulsion”(p. 3) further elaborating the
basics of electric propulsion systems.

Meserole, J. S., & Richards, W. R. (2001). “Direct flight to Pluto using solar electric
propulsion”. ​Journal of Propulsion and Power, 17​(4), 753-757. doi:10.2514/2.5811

Meserole and Richards describe the studies and experiments conducted by Boeing and
NASA with the possibilities of creating the first solar electric propulsion powers spacecraft to fly
with a direct trajectory to Mars in 2001. Meserole (2001) claiming that “this paper presents a
study done to identify the advances in ion thruster and solar array technology needed to enable
sending a spacecraft on a fast direct trip using the pluto mission as an example”(p. 1). They
describe the key concepts that both NASA and Boeing wanted to achieve in this small-scale
planetary mission. Meserole states, “rapid advancements in microelectronics and materials
technologies are enabling the design of high compact and efficient science and telemetry
payloads with superior capabilities than their large predecessors”(p. 1). They also describe the
first experimentation made with electric propulsion systems in the NASA jet propulsion
laboratory in november 1993, “a spacecraft launched on a delta II could be propelled by
solar-powered ion thrusters on an earth-gravity-assist trajectory that reaches pluto in just 7-8
years”(p. 1). Meserole and Richards thus conclude that electric propulsion is the future of low
gravity assisted space travel.

Okutsu, M., (2015). “Low-thrust roundtrip trajectories to mars with one-synodic-period repeat
time”.​ Acta Astronautica, 110,​ 191-205.2015.01.006

Dr. Masataka Okutsu evaluates the details of deep-space travel with the implementation
of both solar electric propulsion (SEP) and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) to reach farther
destinations. Okutsu (2015) claims “Both solar electric propulsion and nuclear electric
propulsion have been considered for human missions to Mars”(p. 15). He illustrates the way
these long-distance planetary missions will be executed and the sequence of both nuclear
propulsion then followed by solar propulsion to reach an optimal rate of efficiency. “Electric
propulsion system is more mass effective than chemical propulsion”(p. 13), stating that the usage
of SEP can be calculated for efficiency with longer distance trips “design the low-thrust
interplanetary trajectories to comprise seven consecutive missions, in other words, the
fifteen-year trajectory”(p. 16) being much more productive than a standard chemical propulsion
system, which in return requires more fuel that slows the trajectory of the spacecraft and
increases overall costs.