COMPASS Final Report: Near Earth Asteroids Rendezvous and Sample Earth Returns (NEARER)

By: Administration (Nasa), National Aeronaut

In this study, the Collaborative Modeling for Parametric Assessment of Space Systems (COMPASS) team completed a design for a multi-asteroid (Nereus and 1996 FG3) sample return capable spacecraft for the NASA In-Space Propulsion Office. The objective of the study was to support technology development and assess the relative benefits of different electric propulsion systems on asteroid sample return design. The design uses a single, heritage Orion solar array (SA) (approx.6.5 kW at 1 AU) to power a single NASA Evolutionary Xenon Thruster ((NEXT) a spare NEXT is carried) to propel a lander to two near Earth asteroids. After landing and gathering science samples, the Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) vehicle spirals back to Earth where it drops off the first sample s return capsule and performs an Earth flyby to assist the craft in rendezvousing with a second asteroid, which is then sampled. The second sample is returned in a similar fashion. The vehicle, dubbed Near Earth Asteroids Rendezvous and Sample Earth Returns (NEARER), easily fits in an Atlas 401 launcher and its cost estimates put the mission in the New Frontier s (NF's) class mission. Oleson, Steven R. and McGuire, Melissa L. Glenn Research Center NASA/TM-2009-215825, CD-2008-28, E-17087 WBS 346620.02.01.01.03.02

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B08GFVLG1S
• ISBN13: 9798676319694
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 82 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.5" x 11.0"