Idea Human Outer Planet Exploration (HOPE)

[DLR]

That's the name of a 2003 NASA study.

It examined the possibility of flying a manned mission to the Jovian Moon Callisto in the 2040s. Mission and vehicle plans were drawn up. The propulsion systems studied included Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (BNTR), NEP, VASIMR and even Magnetised Target Fusion propulsion.

http://www.nasa-academy.org/soffen/travelgrant/bethke.pdf

Would be interesting to see this modelled in Orbiter. The most promising candidate is in my opinion the BNTR propulsion concept, because it uses very near-term technology assumptions.

The BNTR crew transfer vehicle uses the same propulsion and drop tank elements already included in this* AddOn.

*[ame="http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=2713"]Crew Transfer Vehicles v0.96[/ame]

 

[DLR]

PCTV Delta v:

L1 Departure: 0.58 km/s
Trans-Jupiter Injection: 4.55 km/s
Callisto orbit insertion: 3.75 km/s

One-way trip time: 851 Days

Callisto Departure: 3.87 km/s
Earth Slow-Down burn: 1.87 km/s ==> Direct Entry

One-way trip time: 836 Days


Cargo and Propellant are flown out on separate NEP cargo vehicles.

 

[Scarecrow]

As far as building it in real life goes, I think the name is very descriptive.

 

[itchythemouse]

NASA haven't even got to mars and their drawing up planes for Callisto
Callisto almost certainly wont be reached in the next 30 years,. by Nasa.

Although you dont know what the privately owned mob might do

 

[DLR]

Nevertheless it's quite an interesting mission scenario.

With relatively little effort and a larger launch vehicle (such as the Saturn V or Ares as opposed to the Magnum used in HOPE) travel times cut be slashed further.

It seems doable.

I'd love to see this in orbiter! :hotcool: