Hyperion: Artificial gravity reusable crewed deep space transport

Abstract

We present a design to actively simulate gravity for crew members traveling to and from Mars combining tested technology with leading research. The Hyperion mission and spacecraft architecture can be the start of the next generation of spacecraft for deep-space, but to truly be the springboard for future deep space transports, it was designed to require no assistance from resupply depots at destination, prioritize human comfort for long duration transits, and have multiple configurations to adjust for the mission. The design is focused around generating artificial gravity by rotating the fixed-distance habitat and variable-distance counterweight about the propellant system in the center (X axis), while each subsystem is individually developed to support this operation. Through various configurations, the Hyperion spacecraft contains the unique ability to adjust to the mission phase for aerobraking and transport needs, making the concept particularly adept at reducing propellant needs, maintaining artificial gravity with minimal power, and keeping the center of mass in line with the thrust vector. This is accomplished using de-spun solar panels, Ion engines for spin-up and orbital maneuvers, an extendable truss for mass balance, and a phased array communication system. Hyperion was designed to meet NASA 2017–18 Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts - Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) requirements of developing an Artificial Gravity Reusable Crewed Deep Space Transport and is expected to cost no more than $3.0B per year over 11 years. It is expected to be operational by 2032.