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Deep space exploration - The new challengesProspects for future planetary exploration missions are examined. The evolution of planetary mission objectives in the U.S. and U.S.S.R. is traced, and planetary mission attempts and results are reviewed. The present situation with regard to planetary and interplanetary spacecraft operating in 1980 and approved deep-space missions for the future is considered, and the good scientific prospects of future Soviet missions are emphasized. Future plans for U.S. missions not yet approved are then discussed, with consideration given to the Venus Orbital Imaging Radar mission, a mission to Halley's comet, a rendezvous with a short-period comet, a Saturn orbiter mission with probes into Saturn and Titan, asteroid missions, gravity-assisted flights to Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, a Mercury orbiter/lander, lunar activities and a program of Mars exploration. The demanding requirements in the fields of automation, instrumentation and data gathering techniques, launch vehicle capabilities and spacecraft propulsion for future possible missions and possible solutions are examined. Finally, recommendations for the simultaneous pursuit of both major missions at the scientific and technological frontier and lesser missions designed to investigate specific scientific questions raised by earlier probes are presented.
Document ID
19810042518
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
French, J. R.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Burke, J. D.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Astronautics and Aeronautics
Volume: 19
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Accession Number
81A26922
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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