Ballistic mode Mercury orbiter missions.The MVM'73 Mercury flyby mission will initiate exploration of this unique planet. No firm plans for follow-on investigations have materialized due to the difficult performance requirements of the next logical step, an orbiter mission. Previous investigations of ballistic mode flight opportunities have indicated requirements for a Saturn V class launch vehicle. Consequently, most recent effort has been oriented to use of solar electric propulsion. More comprehensive study of the ballistic flight mode utilizing Venus gravity-assist has resulted in identification of timely high-performance mission opportunities compatible with programmed launch vehicles and conventional spacecraft propulsion technologies. A likely candidate for an initial orbiter mission is a 1980 opportunity which offers net orbiter spacecraft mass of about 435 kg with the Titan IIIE/Centaur launch vehicle and single stage solid propulsion for orbit insertion.
Document ID
19730051271
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hollenbeck, G. R. (Martin Marietta Corp. Denver, Colo., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1973
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 73-581
Meeting Information
Meeting: Joint Space Mission Planning and Execution Meeting