Extraterrestrial Sample-return Chemistry for Advanced Propulsion Experiment (ESCAPE)

During the proposed Phase I research and development effort, the project team will develop a long-term storable, hybrid propulsion system with the highest possible specific impulse for sample return missions from large-body, extraterrestrial destinations including., the Moon, Mars, Vesta, Ceres, Phobos, and Europa. The proposed solution uses advanced chemistry to achieve mass-efficient sample return that minimizes the ascent vehiclersquo;s gross liftoff mass (GLOM). The proposed project team will develop a plan for a follow-on flight demonstration program. The Phase I program will conclude with a hot-fire demonstration of a prototype propulsion system.