Orbital Construction of a NTR Mars Transfer Vehicle

by Steve Jolly, Univ of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA,
Mike Loucks, Univ of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA,
George W. Morgenthaler, Univ of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space III

Abstract:

This paper examines a reference Nuclear Thermal Mars Transfer Vehicle (NTMTV) in terms of on-orbit construction. The identification of subassemblies, payload manifesting, on-orbit connections, interaction with the Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle, and the driving technologies that will determine the future success of such vehicles are explored. The study attempts to derive an understanding of the nature and complexity of orbital construction by decomposing the NTMTV into appropriate subassemblies for launch and assembly.

Subject Headings: Vehicles | Orbits | Construction management | Mars | Aircraft and spacecraft | Payloads | Thermal effects

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