Space launch system and solar electric propulsion: Comparing payload to Earth escape from different initial Earth orbits

The Space Launch System (SLS) is being built as the launch vehicle to enable crewed exploration of destinations beyond Low Earth Orbit. One significant piece of cargo that SLS will deliver is the Deep Space Transport (DST), a combination deep space habitat and transit module that will carry crew beyond Earth's sphere of influence. The proposed propulsion system for the DST includes both high thrust chemical propulsion and low thrust electric propulsion elements. Initial estimates of the size of the DST are larger than the projected future capability of the SLS launch vehicle, so additional propulsive capabilities will be required to deliver the DST to the Deep Space Gateway (DSG). The goal of this paper is to explore the trade space between the potential initial orbits that SLS can deliver the DST to and the DST propulsion systems, in order to maximize the final delivered mass of the DST to the DSG.