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Adding "Missed" Science to Cassini's Ops PlanThe phenomenal success of the Cassini Mission at Saturn is largely due to flagship instruments, in a target rich environment, for a long period of time, executing almost error free complex mission operations. A smooth transition from cruise operations through the prime science mission and extended science (Equinox) mission culminating in the currently executing Solstice mission has folded in necessary procedural alterations due to improved understanding of the spacecraft, instruments, uplink and planning systems as well as additional science objectives. These have come with the maturation of the mission along with management of workforce reductions. One important set of operational changes has been initiated due to scientific findings highlighting "missed" science opportunities. This is the case for the Titan Meteorology Campaigns and Saturn Storm Watch Campaigns. These observations involve long term monitoring of the atmospheres of Titan and Saturn while the spacecraft and science teams are focused on other high priority targets of opportunity (like Enceladus). Our objective in this paper is to emphasize how a non-invasive strategy to get additional remarkable science was conceived and implemented in a mission with an already well defined operational plan. To illustrate this we will detail Titan Meteorology Campaign and Saturn Storm Watch Campaign integration and implementation strategies as well as the scientific goals and achievements of both.
Document ID
20160008212
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Roy, Mou
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Burton, Marcia E.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Edgington, Scott
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Pitesky, Jo E.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Steadman, Kimberly B.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Ray, Trina L.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Evans, Mike
(Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY, United States)
Date Acquired
July 1, 2016
Publication Date
May 5, 2014
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Space Operations
Location: Pasadena, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: May 5, 2014
End Date: May 9, 2014
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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