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Phobos and Deimos encounter experiment during the Viking extended missionThe Viking '75 Mission to Mars permits a truly unique opportunity to explore the natural satellites, Phobos and Deimos, from distances measured in the tens of kilometers. Because of the particular orbital geometry currently planned for the Viking Mission, the Viking spacecraft can be maneuvered to make repeated passes very close to Phobos and Deimos during the proposed extended mission phase. Multipass images of both satellites will cover approximately 75% of Phobos and 50% of Deimos. Resolution on the order of 50 meters is possible. Close encounters will permit mass determination to an accuracy of tens of percent. A preliminary feasibility study has been made which shows that the propulsive requirements are nominal, the orbit determination accuracy is adequate, and the satellites are within the scan platform pointing capability during portions of each encounter.
Document ID
19750034210
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Tolson, R. H.
Blanchard, R. C.
Daniels, E. F.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, Va., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1975
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 75-55
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aerospace Sciences Meeting
Location: Pasadena, CA
Start Date: January 20, 1975
End Date: January 22, 1975
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Accession Number
75A18282
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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