DocumentCode :
2910613
Title :
Options in the solar system for planetary surface exploration via hopping
Author :
Cunio, Phillip M. ; Alibay, Farah ; Meira, Pedro ; Sheerin, Todd ; Lanford, Ephraim ; Krupczak, Emily ; Hoffman, Jeffrey A.
Author_Institution :
Massachusetts Inst. of Technol., Cambridge, MA, USA
fYear :
2011
fDate :
5-12 March 2011
Firstpage :
1
Lastpage :
10
Abstract :
This paper provides an initial overview of the capabilities of hopping vehicles, and examines planetary bodies in the solar system which might be amenable to exploration via hopping. A hopping vehicle is one which uses ballistic propulsive action, rather than ground contact or action on a surrounding fluid, to propel itself1 2. The paper examines how gravity levels, atmospheric densities, and surface characteristics affect the attractiveness of a planetary body to hopping missions. An initial catalogue of planetary bodies where hopping missions could take place is provided.
Keywords :
gravitation; planetary atmospheres; planetary surfaces; solar system; space vehicles; atmospheric densities; ballistic propulsive action; gravity levels; hopping vehicles; planetary bodies; planetary surface exploration; solar system; surface characteristics; Atmosphere; Engines; Gravity; Propulsion; Rough surfaces; Surface roughness; Vehicles;
fLanguage :
English
Publisher :
ieee
Conference_Titel :
Aerospace Conference, 2011 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Big Sky, MT
ISSN :
1095-323X
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-7350-2
Type :
conf
DOI :
10.1109/AERO.2011.5747508
Filename :
5747508
Link To Document :
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