Computer Science – Performance
Scientific paper
Dec 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005agufm.p51c0943m&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2005, abstract #P51C-0943
Computer Science
Performance
2124 Heliopause And Solar Wind Termination, 2126 Heliosphere/Interstellar Medium Interactions, 2129 Interplanetary Dust, 2144 Interstellar Gas, 2194 Instruments And Techniques
Scientific paper
An interstellar "precursor" mission has been under discussion in the scientific community for almost 30 years. Fundamental scientific questions about the interaction of the Sun with the interstellar medium and the nature of the very local interstellar medium (VLISM) itself can only be answered with the in situ measurements from a probe penetrating into interstellar space. The problem is the development of a probe that can provide the required measurements and can reach a heliocentric distance of at least 200 astronomical units (AU) in a "reasonable" time. High-performance radioisotope power systems (RPSs) are enabling for our approach: The Innovative Interstellar Explorer (IIE) and its use of Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP) is being studied under a NASA "Vision Mission" grant. Speed is provided by a combination of a high-energy launch, a Jupiter gravity assist, and long-term, low-thrust, continuous acceleration provided by a kilowatt-class ion thruster running off electricity provided by an RPS. Such an approach relies upon known technology for most subsystems and upon current launch vehicles for speed. A payload of nine instruments with an aggregate mass of about 35 kg and requiring 30 W has been carefully chosen to address the compelling science questions. We describe the mission and system that can reach 200 AU in a 30-year flight time.
Anderson Benjamin J.
Fiehler Douglas I.
Gloeckler George
Gold Robert E.
Gruntman Mike
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