Engineering topics
Sweetser, T.
Publications and source records attributed to Sweetser, T..
Scientific Exploration of Near-Earth Objects via the Crew Exploration Vehicle
The concept of a crewed mission to a Near-Earth Object (NEO) has been analyzed in depth in 1989 as part of the Space Exploration Initiative. Since that time two other studies have investigated the possibility of sending similar missions to NEOs. A more recent study has been sponsored by the Advanced Programs Office within NASA's Constellation Program. This study team has representatives from across NASA and is currently examining the feasibility of sending a Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) to a near-Earth object (NEO). The ideal mission profile would involve a crew of 2 or 3 astronauts on a 90 to 120 day flight, which would include a 7 to 14 day stay for proximity operations at the target NEO. One of the significant advantages of this type of mission is that it strengthens and validates the foundational infrastructure for the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) and Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS) in the run up to the lunar sorties at the end of the next decade (approx.2020). Sending a human expedition to a NEO, within the context of the VSE and ESAS, demonstrates the broad utility of the Constellation Program s Orion (CEV) crew capsule and Ares (CLV) launch systems. This mission would be the first human expedition to an interplanetary body outside of the cislunar system. Also, it will help NASA regain crucial operational experience conducting human exploration missions outside of low Earth orbit, which humanity has not attempted in nearly 40 years.
Scientific Exploration of Near-Earth Objects via the Crew Exploration Vehicle
The concept of a crewed mission to a near-Earth object (NEO) has been previously analyzed several times in the past. A more in depth feasibility study has been sponsored by the Advanced Projects Office within NASA's Constellation Program to examine the ability of a Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) to support a mission to a NEO. The national mission profile would involve a crew of 2 or 3 astronauts on a 90 to 120 day mission, which would include a 7 to 14 day stay for proximity operations at the target NEO.
Venus Surface Sample Return
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Venus Surface Sample Return
In cooperation with NASA's Solar System Exploration Subcommittee (SSES) the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is conducting a series of studies to assess the feasibility of planetary science missions proposed for launch in the 2006-2010 time frame and to prioritize technology development steps that will enable these missions.
Venus Sample Return Missions - A Range of Science, A Range of Costs
Venus sample return missions have been studied occasionally for the last forty years, but only recently has technology advanced to the point where this kind of mission has been realistic.
Venus Sample Return - A Hot Topic
Within th Solar System, Venus presents a set of unique challenges to obtaining samples and returning them to Earth.
Venus Surface Sample Return: A Weighty High-Pressure Challenge
A mission to return a sample to Earth from the surface of Venus faces a multitude of challenges.
Venus Sample Return Options
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Trajectory Design for a Europa Orbitter Mission: A Plethora of Astrodynamic Challenges
The icy moon of Europa is a hot topic in planetary exploration. This paper discusses the trajectory design of a Europa orbiter mission intended to find out if Europa is a possible habitat for extraterrestrial life.