Results of a preliminary study of unmanned Mercury orbiter missions which might be flown in the early 1980s. Five different levels of orbiter size and complexity are considered, ranging from a small orbiter carrying 22 kg of low data-rate instruments to a dual satellite mission employing 110 kg of science instruments emphasizing regional and local scale surface imagery. An Intermediate-20 class launch vehicle is required to deliver a minimal surface-imaging science package into Mercury orbit using a ballistic mission mode. Employment of a 15 kW solar electric low-thrust stage permits delivery of the more capable dual satellite package with a Titan IIID (5)/Centaur.
Solar electric low-thrust Mercury orbiter missions.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Electric Propulsion Conference ; 1972 ; Bethesda, MD
1972-04-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
Solar electric low-thrust Mercury orbiter missions
AIAA | 1972
|Ballistic mode Mercury orbiter missions
AIAA | 1973
|Ballistic mode Mercury orbiter missions.
NTRS | 1973
|