Mission to Mars using integrated propulsion concepts: considerations, opportunities, and strategies

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of a mission to Mars using the Integrated Propulsion Systems (IPS) which means to couple Nuclear-MPD-ISPU propulsion systems. In particular both mission analysis and propulsion aspects are analyzed together with technological aspects. Identifying possible mission scenarios will lead to the study of possible strategies for Mars Exploration and also of methods for reducing cost. As regard to IPS, the coupling between Nuclear Propulsion (Rubbia's engine) and Superconductive MPD propulsion is considered for the Earth-Mars trajectories: major emphasis is given to the advantages of such a system. The In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) concerns on-Mars operations; In Situ Propellant Utilization (ISPU) is foreseen particularly for LOX-CH4 engines for Mars Ascent Vehicles and this possibility is analyzed from a technological point of view. Tether Systems are also considered during interplanetary trajectories and as space elevators on Mars orbit. Finally strategic considerations associated to this mission are considered also.     

Calculation of Output Noise Variances for Discrete Time-Invariant Filters

Certain calculations to minimize output noise variance are introduced. Many applied problems in sampled data systems require that data be smoothed in the presence of noise for the prediction of future positions, velocities, or accelerations. Smoothing coefficients in discrete time-invariant filters are computed to minimize the output noise variance, but under the constraints that the function and derivatives be predicted ahead. The output noise variance is seen to be a function of the input noise, the number of input signals (N+1) that the filter has to smooth, and the prediction time ?T. Four examples are given in the derivation of smoothing coefficients for step and ramp inputs subjected to either almost white noise or Gaussian-Markoff noise. The examples illustrate the number of constraint relations that the filter smoothing coefficients must satisfy for function and/or derivative convergence under noise-free conditions. The smoothing coefficients are also a function of the type of noise input into the system or the discrete filter. From the examples, it can be observed that as N becomes larger, the output noise variance becomes smaller, but the computation time is increased.     

ODYSSEY, Orbit Determination Software for the Pioneer Data Analysis

The Pioneer anomaly refers to the difference between the computed trajectories of the Pioneer 10 and 11 spacecrafts and their actual trajectories as observed through Doppler tracking. This difference has been described by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a constant anomalous acceleration. In order to perform an independent analysis, specific trajectography software, named ODYSSEY, has been developed. The paper will focus on the models implemented in this software and on the results obtained. The existence of a constant anomalous acceleration is confirmed with properties similar to those reported by JPL. Time dependent components of the anomaly are also found and discussed.