NASA's In-Space Propulsion Technology Project Overview and Mission Applicability

Abstract

The In-Space Propulsion Technology Project, funded by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD), is continuing to invest in propulsion technologies that will enable or enhance NASA robotic science missions. This paper provides development status, near-term mission benefits, applicability, and availability of in-space propulsion technologies in the areas of aerocapture, electric propulsion, and advanced chemical thrusters. Aerocapture investments have 1) improved models for: guidance, navigation, and control of blunt body rigid aeroshells, 2) atmospheric models for Earth, Titan, Mars and Venus, and 3) models for aerothermal effects. Investments in electric propulsion technologies have focused on completing the NEXT ion propulsion system, a 0.6-7kW throttle-able gridded ion system. The primary chemical propulsion investment is on a high-temperature storable bi-propellant rocket engine providing higher performance for lower cost. Development status of mid-term technology, the low-cost HiVHAC Hall thruster is also presented. In-space propulsion technologies are applicable, and potentially enabling for flagship destinations currently under evaluation, as well as having broad applicability to future Discovery and New Frontiers mission solicitations.