Project Lyra: Another possible trajectory to 1I/’Oumuamua

The first interstellar object to be discovered, 1I/’Oumuamua, exhibited various unusual properties as it was tracked on its passage through the inner solar system in 2017/2018. In terms of potential scientific return, a spacecraft mission intercept and study situ would invaluable. As an extension previous Project Lyra studies, this paper elaborates alternative time also requiring Jupiter Oberth Manoeuvre (JOM) accelerate towards destination. difference is combination planetary flybys exploited get Jupiter, which includes Mars encounter before proceeding Jupiter. trajectory identified inferior finds higher ΔV requirement (15.6 km s−1), longer flight duration (29 years) less preparation (launch 2026), however benefits from feature absent JOM candidates, that there little or no en route (i.e. free ride) means need not carry liquid propellant stage. This marginally offset by needed at either 2 3 staged solid rocket motors. example, Falcon Heavy Expendable with CASTOR 30B booster followed STAR 48B can deliver 102kg 1I/’Oumuamua year 2059. Other scenarios shorter durations payload masses are possible.