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Advanced Space Analysis

Solar Electric Propulsion Proposed for Diana Mission

NASA Lewis not only works to develop space technologies that contribute to U.S. leadership, but also works with industry and end-user organizations to infuse technologies into civilian space system development efforts. During 1994 Lewis has placed special emphasis on xenon ion solar electric propulsion, with the goal of developing partnerships with industry and user communities to apply this technology whose time has come.

The NASA Solar Electric Propulsion Technology Application Readiness (NSTAR) Program began ground testing during 1994 to validate 30-cm xenon ion propulsion for flight readiness. In parallel, the Advanced Space Analysis Office led an intracenter team to identify opportunities for the first application of this technology. We identified the NASA Office of Space Science's Discovery Program, which issued an announcement of opportunity for planetary missions in summer 1994, as an excellent chance to propose a NASA first application of xenon ion solar electric propulsion to pave the way for infusion of this technology.

In advance of the announcement of opportunity, we contacted members of the planetary science community to identify promising missions for solar electric propulsion application. We also performed analyses to identify the feasibility of mission applications and to develop a top-level mission concept. During spring 1994 we identified an exciting mission to the Moon and on to Comet Wilson-Harrington. This mission takes unique advantage of the benefits of solar electric propulsion by reaching two inner solar system targets on one mission-an impossible feat with chemical propulsion within the constraints of the Discovery Program.

The lunar/cometary mission, named Diana for the Greek goddess of the Moon and the hunt, was proposed to the Discovery evaluation process in October 1994. Although the winners will not be known until early 1995, the Diana mission concept has nonetheless demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of 30-cm xenon ion solar electric propulsion for practical application to low-cost, constrained-schedule programs such as Discovery.

Lewis contact: Mark Hickman, (216) 977-7105
Headquarters program offices: OSS and OSAT

Last updated 1995

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