Investigation of a Lagrangian-point Propellant Depot Rendezvous Approach for an Interplanetary Mission to Mars

<p>This thesis investigates the feasibility of a refueling station for a beyond Earth orbit (BEO) mission. The propellant depot is located at the <em> L</em>₂ -Lagrangian point within the Earth-Moon system. This investigation determines if a refueling mission will reduce propulsive energy requirements necessary for Earth departure of a BEO-vehicle to achieve an interplanetary transfer to Mars. Furthermore, this research presents a trade study which identifies approximate total requirements for a direct and rendezvous mission to Mars as well as the necessary fuel masses to complete each approach. This analysis provides conclusive information in determining the benefits in utilizing a rendezvous location for refueling a spacecraft en versus loading the required fuel masses into a launch vehicle to support a direct transfer to Mars.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Year

2013

Author dc:creator

• Ehrlich, Joshua W.

• Lagrangian
• propellant
• rendezvous
• interplanetary
• Mars
• Aerospace Engineering
• Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Space Vehicles

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.erau.edu/edt/61

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.erau.edu:edt-1060