This paper describes the selection of launch and arrival conditions and Venus and Mercury encounter aiming zones to maximize the science return from the Mariner Venus-Mercury mission. A single Mariner spacecraft will be launched in November, 1973, fly by Venus in early February, 1974, and encounter Mercury (the primary target) in late March, 1974. Mercury aiming points will provide: (1) sun and earth occultation, (2) 1000 km periapsis altitude, and (3) return to Mercury after 176 days (two Mercury years). The selected Mercury arrival dates allow high-contrast television imaging. Aiming points at Venus allow gravity assist to Mercury and also permit earth occultation.


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    Title :

    Mariner Venus-Mercury 1973 encounter strategy.


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and American Astronautical Society, Astrodynamics Conference, Palo Alto


    Publication date :

    1972-09-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :



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