Mission design challenges posed by the Voyager 2 Neptune encounterA major challenge for the Voyager 2 Neptune encounter lies in the detailed design of a trajectory that achieves science objectives at the planet as well as at its large satellite, Triton. This achievement demands a close flyby of the primary, whereas the planet's great distance makes such an undertaking especially challenging. Changing estimates and uncertainties of parameters characterizing the Neptune environment, particularly ring, atmosphere and radiation models, affect the mission design. These effects are investigated and trade-offs among candidate trajectories are examined with respect to spacecraft performance, avoidance of risk and science objective achievement.
Document ID
19890025313
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cesarone, R. J. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Potts, C. L. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)
Francis, K. (ITT/Federal Electric Corp. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Kosmann, W. J. (Astronautics Co., Voyager Mission Planning Office, Pasadena CA, United States)
Matousek, S. E. (Sterling Federal Systems, Inc. Palo Alto, CA, United States)