Galileo spacecraft integration - International cooperation on a planetary mission in the Shuttle eraThe Galileo mission is designed to greatly expand scientific knowledge of Jupiter and its system. The retropropulsion module (RPM) as a major functional element of the Galileo spacecraft is described. The major mission and spacecraft requirements on the RPM are presented. Complexities of the integration process due to the international interface are identified. Challenges associated with integration with new launch vehicles, the Shuttle and upper stage, and their relationships to the RPM are discussed. The results of the integration process involving mission and propulsion performance, reliability, mechanical and thermal interfaces, and safety are described. Finally, considerations and recommendations for future missions involving international cooperation are given.
Document ID
19840028976
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Spehalski, R. J. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)