SEPS comet rendezvous performance assessmentThis paper presents an assessment of delivered payload capability for a number of selected rendezvous missions to periodic comets with launch opportunities through the years 1986-1996. These missions are chosen using a selection criteria that considers both expected scientific interest and earth-based sighting considerations. Some 22 mission opportunities are found that satisfies the selection criteria. Spacecraft performance is presented for each mission opportunity based on use of a space shuttle, a twin stage inertial-upper-stage, and a conceptual solar-electric-propulsion-system with a nominal rendezvous 50 days before comet perihelion. Additional trajectory and propulsion enhancements are investigated for several comet rendezvous missions in order to improve spacecraft performance. An indirect transfer trajectory for an Encke mission is shown to offer substantial delivered payload. In addition the use of concentrator solar arrays is considered for several of the more interesting comet missions.
Document ID
19800062354
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Sauer, C. G., Jr. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Mission Design Section, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1980
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 80-1685
Meeting Information
Meeting: Astrodynamics Conference
Location: Danvers, MA
Start Date: August 11, 1980
End Date: August 13, 1980
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and American Astronautical Society