Early concept art for the explorer.
Innovative Interstellar Explorer was a NASA "Vision Mission" study funded by NASA following a proposal under NRA-03-OSS-01 on 11 September 2003. This study focused on the elusive quest to reach and measure the interstellar medium, the region outside of the influence of the nearest star, the Sun.[1] It proposes to use a radioisotope thermal generator with ion thrusters.[1] The project is a study of a proposed interstellar precursor mission that would probe the nearby interstellar medium and measure the properties of magnetic fields and cosmic rays and their effects on a craft leaving the Solar System.[2] Mission launch plans analyzed direct, one planet, multi-planet, and upper-stage trades.[1]
A variety of plans were proposed, including using launch windows (not counting backups) for a Jupiter assist in 2014, 2026, 2038, and 2050—about every 12 years.[1] The launch opportunity for the 2014 launch window is too late,[3] but it would have done a Jupiter flyby in early 2016 and reach 200 AU in 2044.[1][2] With an ion drive, a speed of about 7.9 AU/yr by the time its xenon propellant was depleted could be attained, enabling that 200 AU by 2044 and perhaps 1000 AU after one hundred years from launch.[1]
[edit] References
[edit] See also
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| Orbiters |
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| Descent probes |
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| Flybys |
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| Planned missions |
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| Proposed Flybys |
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| Proposed missions |
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| Cancelled missions |
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| Related topics |
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Bold italics indicates active missions, even if they passed Jupiter already
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