4 Precursor Mission Design 4.6 Mission Architecture

4.6.1 Trajectory

A launcher carries the spacecraft to GTO. In GTO, the spacecraft performs impulsive thrusting using propellant to boost itself to a specific velocity. Impulsive thrusting is evaluated as a deltaV, which is calculated in several stages. Total deltaV from GTO to lunar surface is 3.05 km/s.

Figure 4-26: Trajectory from GTO to the Moon

For lunar missions, a separate orbiter and lander are usually used. The orbiter deploys the lander around the Moon, and acts as a relay station for communication between the lander and Earth. However, in this precursor mission, direct communication between the Earth and lander is feasible. Therefore, an orbiting spacecraft is not required. It is assumed that all delta vs will be performed by using the lander propulsion system.

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