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Astrophysics > Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics

arXiv:2506.17732 (astro-ph)
[Submitted on 21 Jun 2025]

Title:Feasibility study of a mission to Sedna -- Nuclear propulsion
and advanced solar sailing concepts

Authors:Elena Ancona, Roman Ya. Kezerashvili, Savino Longo
View a PDF of the paper titled Feasibility study of a mission to
Sedna -- Nuclear propulsion and advanced solar sailing concepts, by
Elena Ancona and 2 other authors
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    Abstract:Exploring the outer reaches of the Solar System presents
    significant propulsion and mission design challenges. This study
    assesses the feasibility of a mission to Sedna using two advanced
    propulsion concepts: the Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) rocket engine,
    based on D-$^{3}$He thermonuclear fusion, and a solar sail
    utilizing thermal desorption of its coating for propulsion. Both
    are evaluated for a one-way Earth-to-Sedna mission; however, due
    to the different performances the DFD would enable orbit
    insertion, whereas for the solar sail a flyby is envisioned. The
    analysis evaluates key mission parameters, including delivered
    payload capacity, travel time, and potential science return. For
    the DFD, we assume a 1.6 MW system with constant thrust and
    specific impulse, while for the solar sail, we consider
    acceleration via thermal desorption and a gravity-assist maneuver
    around Jupiter. The mission analysis incorporates four key
    phases: departure, interplanetary acceleration, interplanetary
    coasting, and rendezvous. Sedna is expected to pass through the
    perihelion of its orbit in 2075--2076 and then move again away
    from the Sun. Considering the distances involved, a mission
    targeting the object would need to be launched "relatively" soon,
    especially if using conventional propulsion systems, which could
    require up to 30 years of deep-space travel. In our study,
    results indicate that the DFD could reach Sedna in approximately
    10 years, with 1.5 years of thrusting, while the solar sail,
    assisted by Jupiter's gravity, could complete the journey in 7
    years. The feasibility of science payload accommodation, power
    availability, and communication constraints is also considered.
    These findings provide a comparative foundation for future
    deep-space mission planning.

Comments: 26 pages, 5 figures
Subjects: Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics (astro-ph.IM);
          Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP)
Cite as:  arXiv:2506.17732 [astro-ph.IM]
          (or arXiv:2506.17732v1 [astro-ph.IM] for this version)
          https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2506.17732
          Focus to learn more
          arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

Submission history

From: Roman Kezerashvili [view email]
[v1] Sat, 21 Jun 2025 15:13:09 UTC (355 KB)
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    Sedna -- Nuclear propulsion and advanced solar sailing concepts,
    by Elena Ancona and 2 other authors
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