AbstractScientists studying planetary ring systems and planetary system formation have long wanted close-up (a few km) observations of Saturn's rings to answer fundamental questions about ring particle characteristics and behavior. But missions to implement these observations involve post-approach ΔV requirements greater than , so past designs have called upon Nuclear Electric Propulsion—an untenable position in the current programmatic climate. A unique new mission design uses carefully designed aerocapture to decrease the ΔV requirement to as little as , a difficult but not impossible feat for high-performance chemical propulsion systems. Propulsion costs dominate cost estimates for the Saturn Ring Observer mission. Driving down propulsion costs is an important facet of the strategic technology program, one that would provide cost benefits to many other missions.
Saturn Ring Observer
Acta Astronautica ; 52 , 2-6 ; 259-265
2002-01-01
7 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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