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OSIRIS-REx Orbit Determination Covariance Studies at BennuThe Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is a NASA New Frontiers mission launching in 2016 to rendezvous with the small, Earth-crossing asteroid (101955) Bennu in late 2018, and ultimately return a sample of regolith to Earth. Approximately 3 months before the encounter with Bennu, the asteroid finally becomes detectable in the narrow field PolyCam imager. The spacecraft's rendezvous with Bennu begins with a series of four Asteroid Approach Maneuvers, which slow the spacecraft's speed relative to Bennu beginning two and a half months prior to closest approach, ultimately delivering the spacecraft to a point 18 km from Bennu on Nov 18, 2018. An extensive campaign of proximity operations activities to characterize the properties of Bennu and select a suitable sample site will follow. This paper will discuss the challenges of navigating near a small 500-m diameter asteroid. The navigation at close proximity is dependent on the accurate mathematical model or digital terrain map of the asteroids shape. Predictions of the spacecraft state are very sensitive to spacecraft small forces, solar radiation pressure, and mis-modeling of Bennu's gravity field. Uncertainties in the physical parameters of the central body Bennu create additional challenges. The navigation errors are discussed and their impact on science planning will be presented.
Document ID
20160001714
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Antreasian, P. G.
(KinetX Aerospace, Inc Simi Valley, CA, United States)
Moreau, M.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Jackman, C.
(KinetX Aerospace, Inc Simi Valley, CA, United States)
Williams, K.
(KinetX Aerospace, Inc Simi Valley, CA, United States)
Page, B.
(KinetX Aerospace, Inc Simi Valley, CA, United States)
Leonard, J. M.
(KinetX Aerospace, Inc Simi Valley, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
February 10, 2016
Publication Date
February 9, 2016
Subject Category
Astrodynamics
Report/Patent Number
GSFC-E-DAA-TN29673
AAS 16-101
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Astronautical Society Guidance, Navigation and Control Conference
Location: Breckenridge, CO
Country: United States
Start Date: February 5, 2016
End Date: February 10, 2016
Sponsors: American Astronautical Society
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG13FC02C
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
Covariance
OSIRIS-REx
Orbit
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