JPL
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
NASA's lead center for robotic exploration with Dawn ion propulsion heritage.
Outreach Questions (2)
What was the actual xenon consumption rate and thruster degradation observed during the Dawn mission?
Dawn operated ion thrusters for 11+ years, providing the longest operational dataset for high-Isp propulsion. This data is critical for Transport Vehicle propellant budgeting.
What spectral classification accuracy was achieved by OSIRIS-REx OVIRS, and what minimum spectral resolution would JPL recommend for a multi-target asteroid survey mission?
Project Dyson plans a 50-satellite prospecting constellation requiring miniaturized spectrometers. Our literature review suggests 20nm resolution is optimal, but OVIRS operational data would validate this. The spectrometer resolution tradeoff is on the critical path.
Question Status
Contacts
Dawn Mission Team
Ion Propulsion Experts
Propulsion & Flight Systems
Operated xenon ion thrusters for 11+ years in deep space