Lunar Transfers
Rocket Propulsion Systems (RPS)
Lunar Transfers is a service utilizing an Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) to perform Translunar Orbit Injections from a very low Earth orbit into a lunar orbit via a Ballistic Lunar Transfer (BLT). This method allows for larger payloads compared to direct transfers.
Technical specifications
- Propellants
- cryogenic LOX/methane
- Starting orbit
- 185 km LEO parking orbit
- Target orbit
- Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO)
- Transfer type
- Ballistic Lunar Transfer
About
The Lunar Transfers service is designed to facilitate missions to the Moon, driven by the growing interest in lunar exploration, particularly the discovery of water ice at the moon’s south pole. The service aims to provide a steady inflow of data and images to monitor the lunar surface. It utilizes an Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) to execute Translunar Orbit Injections. The mission profile involves starting from a very low Earth orbit of approximately 185 km and performing a Ballistic Lunar Transfer (BLT) to reach a lunar orbit. This low-energy, long-duration BLT approach enables the OTV to carry a larger payload compared to a direct transfer method. The mission sequence begins with a trans-lunar injection performed tangentially to the parking orbit. Following this, the OTV cruises towards the Moon. Upon reaching the vicinity of the Moon, a lunar orbit injection is executed, and the mission concludes with a minor injection into a stable Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.