The study evaluates two advanced propulsion concepts for a mission to Sedna: a Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) rocket and a solar sail using thermal desorption with a Jupiter gravity assist.
The DFD system, operating at 1.6 MW with constant thrust and high specific impulse, could enable orbit insertion around Sedna and reach the dwarf planet in about 10 years, including 1.5 years of thrusting.
The solar sail concept, relying on thermal desorption and a flyby trajectory, could complete the Earth‐to‐Sedna journey in approximately 7 years but only allow a flyby rather than orbit insertion.
Both mission profiles are assessed for delivered payload, travel time, power availability, communication constraints, and science return, providing a basis for future deep‐space mission planning.
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