NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
EUROPA Multiple-Flyby Trajectory DesignAs reinforced by the 2011 NRC Decadal Survey, Europa remains one of the most scientifically intriguing targets in planetary science due to its potential suitability for life. However, based on JEO cost estimates and current budgetary constraints, the Decadal Survey recommended-and later directed by NASA Headquarters-a more affordable pathway to Europa exploration be derived. In response, a flyby-only proof-of-concept trajectory has been developed to investigate Europa. The trajectory, enabled by employing a novel combination of new mission design techniques, successfully fulfills a set of Science Definition Team derived scientific objectives carried out by a notional payload including ice penetrating radar, topographic imaging, and short wavelength infrared observations, and ion neutral mass spectrometry in-situ measurements. The current baseline trajectory, referred to as 11-F5, consists of 34 Europa and 9 Ganymede flybys executed over the course of 2.4 years, reached a maximum inclination of 15 degrees, has a deterministic delta v of 157 m/s (post-PJR), and has a total ionizing dose of 2.06 Mrad (Si behind 100 mil Al, spherical shell). The 11-F5 trajectory and more generally speaking, flyby-only trajectories-exhibit a number of potential advantages over an Europa orbiter mission.
Document ID
20130003153
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Buffington, Brent
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Campagnola, Stefano
(Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Kanagawa, Japan)
Petropoulos, Anastassios
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 27, 2013
Publication Date
August 13, 2012
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Country: United States
Start Date: August 13, 2012
End Date: August 16, 2012
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Europa
gravity assist
mission design
trajectory design

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available