Aetheris Orbis - Astraeus 3
Astraeus 3 – LR‑DM3#
Launch 01 Jul 2045 Dock 01 Sep 2045 (ISS, coincident with start of Erebus 2) Return 31 Feb 2046
Mission Purpose – Supplies additional scientific payloads and delivers the Power Grid Augmentation Kit that energises the cryogenic storage tanks installed by Erebus 1, ensuring power is online before the final fuel transfers in Erebus 2.
Primary Objectives
- Transport and install the Power Grid Augmentation Kit, integrating it with the ISS power distribution system and the newly added cryogenic tanks.
- Deploy a suite of micro gravity science experiments (materials processing, biology, and quantum optics) that leverage the extended mission duration.
- Conduct a coordinated hand off with Erebus 2, confirming that power, data, and structural interfaces are fully operational prior to fuel transfer.
Key Milestones
- T‑0: Launch on a medium class launch vehicle, benefitting from the proven flight profile of the earlier Astraeus missions.
- +2 mo: Docking coincides with the initiation of Erebus 2; crew installs the Power‑Grid Kit and verifies electrical continuity.
- +3 mo: Activation of cryogenic storage tanks; power‑grid performance monitored in real time via the data‑relay.
- +5 mo: Completion of scientific payload operations; data downlinked for analysis.
- +7 mo: Safe undocking, de‑orbit, and capsule recovery in the Atlantic.
Rationale & Impact – Power is the linchpin for the entire refueling chain. Delivering the augmentation kit ahead of Ereus 2’s fuel transfer eliminates a single point failure and guarantees that the cryogenic tanks can maintain temperature stability throughout the refueling process. The added scientific payloads also showcase the program’s dual use nature, reinforcing the narrative that discovery and infrastructure development can progress hand‑in‑hand.
Astraeus Program