Systems analysis of an ion-propelled orbital transfer vehicle

A systems engineering approach was used to produce a preliminary design configuration for an ion-propelled orbital transfer vehicle system.

The four components of the system are: ground software, ground hardware, the orbital transfer vehicle and the space shuttle. The orbital transfer vehicle uses electrostatic propulsion to transfer payload satellites from a low earth orbit, to any other desired orbit.

The system maintenance concept, and a conceptual design are derived from the statement of need and the system operational requirements. The resulting design, maintainability, reliability and support requirements are discussed. A discussion of the feasibility of an ion propelled orbital transfer vehicle is included.