Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1714137 | Acta Astronautica | 2016 | 20 Pages |
Abstract
Attributes of a reusable interplanetary human spaceflight transport are proposed and applied to example transits between the Earth/Moon system and Deimos, the outer moon of Mars. Because the transport is 54% water by mass at an interplanetary departure, it is christened Aquarius. In addition to supporting crew hydration/hygiene, water aboard Aquarius serves as propellant and as enhanced crew habitat radiation shielding during interplanetary transit. Key infrastructure and technology supporting Aquarius operations include pre-emplaced consumables and subsurface habitat at Deimos with crew radiation shielding equivalent to sea level on Earth, resupply in a selenocentric distant retrograde orbit, and nuclear thermal propulsion.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Authors
Daniel R. Adamo, James S. Logan,