NASA's In-Space Propalsion Technology Program is investing in technologies that have the potenfial to revolationize the robotic exploration of deep space. For robotic exploration and science missions, increased efficiencies of futme propulsion systems are critical to redoce overall life-cycle costs and, in some cases, enable missions previously considered impossible. Continned reliance on conventional chemical propalsion alone will not enable the robust exploration of deep space-the maximom theoretical efficiencies have almost been reached and they are insnfficient to meet needs for many ambitous science missions carrently being considered. The In-Space Propalsion Technology Program's technology portfolio inclades many advanced propalsion systems. From the next-generation ion propalsion system operating in the 5-to 10-kW range to aerocaptare and solar sails, substantial advances in spacecraft propalsion performance are anticipated. Some of the most promising technologies for achieving these goals ase the environment of space itself for energy and propalsion and are generically called "propellantless" becaase they do not reqaire onboard foe1 to achieve thrst. Propellantless propalsion technologies include scientific innovations such as solar sails, electrodynamic and momentam transfer tethers, aeroassist, and aerocaptore. This paper will provide an overview of both propellantless and propellant-based advanced propalsion technologies, as well as NASA's plans for advancing them as part of the In-Space Propalsion Technology Program.
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