Long-term Space Propellant Depot, Published in January 2018, 106 pages.
The adoption of propellant depots in space is being investigated since years as a key enabler of new space missions, promising to have an important impact on the design and operations of future space transportation systems, space exploration missions, and commercial space operations. The objective of this IAA Study is an in-depth assessment of all the aspects related to the design, development and operations of long-term space depots of storable and/or cryogenic propellants in support of the above applications. Due to the innovation of the involved technologies, the need of standardised interfaces, the complexity of the servicing and utilisation scenario and the landscape of target missions involving their utilisation, Space Propellant Depots are ideal candidates for international collaborations to be put in place for their procurement and use. In this respect, a major scope of the IAA study is also to look at the possibilities of international programmes, either institutional or commercial, in support of Long Term Space Propellant Depot concepts.