Lunar far side sample return missions using the Soviet Luna systemThe paper assesses the feasibility of using the Soviet Lunar Sample Return vehicle in cooperation with the United States to return a sample of lunar soil from the far side of the moon. Analysis of the orbital mechanics of the Luna system shows how landing sites are restricted on the moon. The trajectory model is used to duplicate the 3 Luna missions flown to date and the results compared to actual Soviet data. The existence of suitable trajectories for the earth return trip is assessed, including landing dispersions at earth. Several possible areas of technical difficulty are identified.
Document ID
19780047986
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Roberts, P. H., Jr. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Advanced Projects Group, Pasadena Calif., United States)