Low-thrust flights to Neptune's moons Triton and Nereid

Abstract

A possible scenario for a low-thrust spacecraft's flight to Neptune's moons Triton and Nereid is proposed. Characteristics of the spacecraft and electric propulsion system are proposed. The flight to Neptune is accomplished using gravity assist maneuvers near Earth, Venus, and Jupiter. Successive flybys of Nereid and Triton allow the surfaces of both satellites to be studied from a distance of several thousand kilometers. During the final phase of the flight, the spacecraft enters an orbit resonant with Triton's orbit, allowing for rendezvous with the moon every 17.4 days. It is shown that with an initial spacecraft mass of 1731 kg and a mission duration of 21 years, the propellant consumption will not exceed 360 kg.