Mission Planning for Pioneer Saturn/Uranus Atmospheric Probe Missions

Mission planning for a series of atmospheric probe missions to Saturn and Uranus using a modified Pioneer spacecraft launched in 1979 and 1980 was examined. The operational options and the associated systems requirements consistent with the major scientific goals and spacecraft constraints of the missions is summarized. It is feasible to obtain in-situ atmospheric measurements in the atmosphere of Saturn and Uranus down to a pressure level of 10 bars using a common probe and spacecraft design. Spacecraft can be launched to both objectives with an adequate launch window in 1979 and 1980 using a Titan/Centaur launch vehicle with a TE-364-4 upper stage. Other scientific objectives can be accomplished by the flyby spacecraft. Encounters with the satellite Titan and RF occultations of Saturn, the ring system of Saturn, and Uranus can be obtained.