Saturn ring rendezvous mission utilizing a tethered sub-satelliteBy combining the advanced technologies of constant-thrust propulsion and space tethers in a planetary mission, it may be feasible to perform a complete radial and azimuthal survey of the Saturnian ring system from close range (about 10 km) in a period of some 300 days. Constant-thrust propulsion would provide the means of 'hovering' above the rings while simultaneously spiraling radially inward toward Saturn. Use of a tethered sub-satellite at a distance of 500-1000 km from the main spacecraft would permit an instrumented package to achieve a significant azimuthal angular rate relative to the rings. Exhaustive 360 deg azimuthal mapping at one or two selected distances from Saturn could be performed in a few tens of days.
Document ID
19900059766
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bright, Larry E. (JPL Pasadena, CA, United States)