Mariner Venus-Mercury 1973 midcourse velocity requirements and delivery accuracy

The primary mission is described, which consists of encounters with Venus and Mercury; (a second encounter with Mercury is also possible). The exptected navigation sequences were simulated with a Monte Carlo computer program for the purpose of determining midcourse correction velocity requirements and delivery accuracies. These simulations provide sensitivity in velocity requirements and delivery accuracies to error sources affecting the navigation process. The orbit determination capability at the final pre-Venus maneuver is shown to be the dominant contributor to the velocity requirements for the primary mission. Similarly, the orbit determination capability at the final pre-Mercury maneuver is shown to be the dominant contributor to the delivery accuracy at Mercury.