Automatic control in planetary exploration in the 1980sBased on an examination of the planetary missions in the 1980s and their related objectives, a broad assessment of the automatic control capabilities required for these missions is presented. The ten outer-planet, terrestrial-planet, and small-body missions considered involve various operations encompassing a complex series of modes including cruise, maneuver, and powered flight control. In addition to routine navigation and attitude control, onboard control is required to point scientific instruments and antennas with respect to the vehicle and to maneuver the spacecraft in time-constrained or hazardous environments. These 1980 missions aimed at exploring new areas of the solar system will be more demanding. New design philosophies and increased performance capabilities will be required to meet the constraints imposed by science requirements and mission-cost effectiveness.
Document ID
19740056763
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Moore, J. W. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)