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.
Saturn/Titan Rendezvous: A Solar-Sail Aerocapture Mission
2004
9 pages
Report
No indication
English
Astronomy & Astrophysics , Extraterrestrial Exploration , Space probes , Solar sails , Aerocapture , Saturn(Planet) , Titan , Rendezvous trajectories , Spacecraft trajectories , Interorbital trajectories , Saturn atmosphere , Satellite atmospheres , Interplanetary trajectories , Acceleration(Physics)
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