SMALL UNIVERSAL-SPACE PLATFORM - MISSION CAPABILITIES

The results of mission analysis for small universal space platform wit h plasma thruster (SUSPPT) developed on base of modem technology level are presented in the paper These results show that it is possible to realize SUSPPT orbit raising (from LEO to the orbit of some hundred of thousands km height with the change of orbit plane and return to LEO) , to launch the scientific payload to the Moon satellite orbit, to rea ch the Earth-Moon and Sun-Earth libration points, near-Earth asteroids (rendezvous), ie. to realize different kinds of interesting scientifi c and commercial missions. As the electric propulsion thrusters have b een chosen the so-called stationary plasma thruster (SPT) already many times flown and used in space. High specific impulse of this thruster in combination with the light solar arrays allow to reach high level of space transportation system efficiency. For example, SUSPPT, which initial mass is 200-250 kg in the LEO, can deliver 30-70 kg scientific payload to a near-Earth asteroid. Copyright (C) 1997 Published by Els evier Science Ltd.