Saturn satellite encounter opportunities for Mariner Jupiter-Saturn 1977

The opportunities for close satellite encounters which meet the planetary constraints at Saturn that are imposed by science value return and environmental conditions are investigated. Since the satellites travel at various speeds in their orbits, Saturn arrival time is critical and was chosen as the design parameter. Arrival times are recommended which afford close satellite encounters and also meet important mission constraints. A design chart illustrates the satellite opportunities as a function of Saturn arrival date. Through the use of such a design chart, the Saturn encounter design process, which will take place according to recommendations by the selected science investigators over the next several years, will be considerably streamlined. Potential applications are given to illustrate the use of the Saturn satellite opportunity chart in encounter design.