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Copernicus: Lunar surface mapperThe Utah State University (USU) 1991-92 Space Systems Design Team has designed a Lunar Surface Mapper (LSM) to parallel the development of the NASA Office of Exploration lunar initiatives. USU students named the LSM 'Copernicus' after the 16th century Polish astronomer, for whom the large lunar crater on the face of the moon was also named. The top level requirements for the Copernicus LSM are to produce a digital map of the lunar surface with an overall resolution of 12 meters (39.4 ft). It will also identify specified local surface features/areas to be mapped at higher resolutions by follow-on missions. The mapping operation will be conducted from a 300 km (186 mi) lunar-polar orbit. Although the entire surface should be mapped within six months, the spacecraft design lifetime will exceed one year with sufficient propellant planned for orbit maintenance in the anomalous lunar gravity field. The Copernicus LSM is a small satellite capable of reaching lunar orbit following launch on a Conestoga launch vehicle which is capable of placing 410 kg (900 lb) into translunar orbit. Upon orbital insertion, the spacecraft will weigh approximately 233 kg (513 lb). This rather severe mass constraint has insured attention to component/subsystem size and mass, and prevented 'requirements creep.' Transmission of data will be via line-of-sight to an earth-based receiving system.
Document ID
19940021209
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Redd, Frank J.
(Utah State Univ. Logan, UT, United States)
Anderson, Shaun D.
(Utah State Univ. Logan, UT, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: USRA, Proceedings of the 8th Annual Summer Conference: NASA(USRA Advanced Design Program
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
94N25702
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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