The ESA Smart-1 Mission

Abstract

SMART-1 is planned to be the first Small Mission for Advanced Research in Technology of the ESA Scientific Programme Horizons 2000 for a launch at the end of 2001. The mission is dedicated to the testing of new technologies for preparing future cornerstone missions, using Solar Electrical Propulsion in Deep Space. The mission operational lifetime contains periods for cruise phase until fly-by or rendez-vous with planetary objects. The SMART-1 spacecraft will be launched either on Ariane 5 as auxiliary passenger or on Eurockot. The expected launch mass is 300-350 kg. Two launch opportunities were studied:

• i) Ariane 5 Piggyback in a standard Geostationary Transfer Orbit;

• ii) Dedicated launcher (e.g. EUROCKOT) into escape trajectory.

Two Solar Electric Propulsion types are considered:

• 1) Stationary Plasma Thrusters (SPT e.g. PPS-1350), provide high thrust (70 mN) and medium specific impulse (1600 s);

• 2) Ion thrusters (e.g. RIT-10, UK-10), provide low thrust (20 mN) and high specific impulse (3000 s).

SMART-1 can be a precursor to future deep space planetary and astronomy missions, both by qualifying the Solar Electric Propulsion System Technology, or by demonstrating new spacecraft and instrument technologies.