MAGNETOUR: Surfing Planetary Systems on Electromagnetic and Multi-Body Gravity Fields
Project Introduction
MAGNETOUR enables a spacecraft to orbit and travel between multiple moons of an outer planet, using very little or even no propellant. To achieve this free-lunch 'Grand Tour', we exploit the unexplored combination of magnetic and multi-body gravitational fields of planetary systems.
We propose a new mission concept, called MAGNETOUR, that enables a spacecraft to orbit and travel between multiple moons of an outer planet, using very little or even no propellant. To achieve this free-lunch 'Grand Tour', we exploit the unexplored combination of magnetic and multi-body gravitational fields of planetary systems. This concept involves combining two main innovations: Design of a very low delta-v tour of planetary moons by considering the intrinsic multi-body gravitational dynamics of planetary systems, and Use of the electromagnetic Lorentz force as a revolutionary means for performing the required low delta-v maneuvers of our low-energy tour.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(JPL)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Pasadena, CA |
| University of Texas at Austin | Supporting Organization | Academic |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Responsible Program:
- NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts
Project Management
Program Director:
Project Manager:
- Gregory Lantoine
Principal Investigator:
- Gregory Lantoine
Project Duration
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 1 |
| Current: | 1 |
| Estimated End: | 2 |
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 5 Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems
- TA 5.6 Revolutionary Concepts