Unmanned solar systems exploration - An arena for international cooperationMission profiles for a Mars Surface Sample Return (MSSR) mission are considered. A profile using separate launches for a lander/ascent module and an orbiter/return system could use present technology and is appropriate for international cooperation. The achievement of clean interfaces between major building blocks and ease of controlling back contamination are advantages offered by the concept. A spatially distributed surface sample could be obtained by using multiple landers delivering samples to a common orbiter. The Pioneer Venus program, originally planned as a cooperative NASA-ESRO project, resulted in development of a standardized spacecraft bus yielding benefits at minimized cost. The first joint US-European planetary mission now planned is the launch of a Pioneer class orbiter to Jupiter in 1980. Feasibility studies are being conducted.
Document ID
19750029617
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Herman, D. H. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Pacault, R. (ESRO Neuilly-sur-Seine, Hauts-de-Seine, France)