Development of Propulsion Systems for Exploration Missions towards Moon and Jupiter

Abstract

Orbital exploration missions define very specific requirements and have high demands for propulsion systems to ensure the missions success. This paper provides an overview of the chemical propulsion system solutions and technologies developed by ArianeGroup for past and current exploration missions towards Moon and Jupiter. On the example of the JUICE and the European Lunar Lander missions it describes the solutions for mission specific challenges like the protection against harsh radiation environment, the applied precautions to ensure the magnetic cleanliness and the detailed hydraulic characterization of the liquid part of the propulsion system.