A low-mass Titan orbiter is proposed that uses conservative or optimistic solar sails for all post-Earth-escape propulsion. After accelerating the probe onto a trans-Saturn trajectory, the sail is used parachute style for Saturn capture during a pass through Saturn's outer atmosphere. If the apoapsis of the Saturn-capture orbit is appropriate, the aerocapture maneuver can later be repeated at Titan so that the spacecraft becomes a satellite of Titan. An isodensity-atmosphere model is applied to screen aerocapture trajectories. Huygens/Cassini should greatly reduce uncertainties regarding the upper atmospheres of Saturn and Titan.


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    Title :

    Saturn/Titan Rendezvous: A Solar-Sail Aerocapture Mission


    Contributors:
    G. L. Matloff (author) / T. Taylor (author) / C. Powell (author)

    Publication date :

    2004


    Size :

    9 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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