
doi: 10.2514/3.29997
If nuclear-rocke t propellant (hydrogen) can be found on the moon, the proposed reusable deep-space transportation system appears highly attractive for Earth-moon transportation and exploration of the near planets. For planetary missions, powered Earth swingby for departure and return permits system capabilities substantially beyond any previously proposed. The system incorporates new staging techniques that permit complete reuse. Mercury missions use a technique involving an intermediate Venus orbit. If propellant can be found on outer planet moons, exploration of the entire solar system is possible. Transit time to Jupiter is about 10 months. A refueling stop at Jupiter's fifth moon provides shorter transit times to planets beyond than any Jupiter swingby. The system is useful for economical satellite deployment and repair, and for lunar surface transportation. For some missions, ion propulsion may extend system capabilities.
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