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Propulsive maneuver design for the Mars Exploration Rover missionStarting from approximately 150 candidate Martian landing sites, two distinct sites have been selected for further investigation by sophisticated rovers. The two rovers, named 'Spirit' and 'Opportunity', begin the surface mission respectively to Gusec Crater and Meridiani Planum in January 2004. the rovers are essentially robotic geologists, sent on a mission to research for evidence in the rocks and soil pertaining to the historical presence of water and the ability to possibly sustain life. Before this scientific search can commence, precise trajectory targeting and control is necessary to achieve the entry requirements for the selected landing sites within the constraints of the flight system. The maneuver design challenge is to meet or exceed these requirements while maintaining the necessary design flexibility to accommodate additional project concerns. Opportunities to improve performance and reduce risk based on trajectory control characteristics are also evaluated.
Document ID
20060043899
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Potts, Christopher L.
Kangas, Julie A.
Raofi, Behzad
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
August 16, 2006
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Astrodynamics Specialist Conference
Location: Providence, RI
Country: United States
Start Date: August 16, 2006
End Date: August 19, 2006
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Opportunity
Spirit
Mars Exploration Rover (MER)

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