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Sensitivity studies of Mars orbiters for Mars gravity recoveryThe purpose of the study is to assess the Mars orbiters with regard to their sensitivity to the Mars gravity field. The sensitivity is evaluated and quantified in terms of the magnitude and frequency of the orbiter position and velocity perturbations. The strengths and weaknesses of each orbiter, including Mariner 9, Viking 1 and 2, Mars Observer, Phobos, and Deimos, when used as a sensor of the Mars gravity field are assessed. It is shown that Mariner 9 and Viking data supply strong information on the low degree and order coefficients, with Mariner 9 contributing to the even-ordered terms out to about degrees 10 to 12. Phobos and Deimos are shown to be able to contribute to the lowest degrees of the gravity field, while the Mars Observer, in addition to the lower-degree and -order harmonics, will be responsive to coefficients as high as degree and order 50. Emphasis is placed on the spacecraft orbit plane orientation allowing the radial velocity perturbations to be measured by the Doppler data, thus enhancing the sensitivity to the gravitational signal.
Document ID
19900059720
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rosborough, George W.
(Colorado Univ. Boulder, CO, United States)
Lemoine, Frank G.
(Colorado, University Boulder, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Subject Category
Astrodynamics
Report/Patent Number
AAS PAPER 89-370
Meeting Information
Meeting: AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Conference 1989
Location: Stowe, VT
Country: United States
Start Date: August 7, 1989
End Date: August 10, 1989
Accession Number
90A46775
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGT-50329
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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