images

Interplanetary exploration vehicle near Neptune

by

Walter B. Myers/Novapix

Reference

e-ill02-00041

Date

2022-01-30

Speculative illustration of a crewed interplanetary exploration vehicle (IEV) near Neptune 4.5 billion km from the earth. Toward the right and 350 thousand km away is Neptune's largest moon Triton.
The highly-speculative nuclear-powered interplanetary solar system exploration vehicle is 200 meters long while the fan-like solar panels extend 35 meters from the centerline of the spacecraft. The solar panels can also serve as light sails exploiting sunlight and/or directed laser light from the earth for additional propulsion. With room for a crew of six or more this vehicle is designed for interplanetary missions lasting many years.