Some results of recent planning studies for a Mariner Jupiter/Uranus 1979 (MJU 79) mission are discussed. It is noted that a 1979 launch will provide unique approach geometries to Uranus because, when viewed from an approaching spacecraft in 1985, the pole-on orientation of the planet and its satellite orbit tracks will seem to describe a target, permitting a long observational period of almost all the lighted hemispheres of Uranus and its five known satellites. The overall scientific objectives for a MJU 79 mission are outlined, and mission considerations are discussed, including energy requirements, use of a Jupiter gravity-assist to reduce flight-time and launch vehicle-capability requirements, and various dual-launch strategies. Basic trajectories for Jupiter and Uranus encounters are considered, and general characteristics of the MJU 79 spacecraft are described. Expected scientific returns from a typical Uranus encounter is examined, including high-resolution scanning of the planet and its satellites, more accurate estimates of satellite radii and masses, and high-resolution IR studies of the planet.


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    Title :

    The Mariner Jupiter/Uranus 1979 mission


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and American Geophysical Union, Conference on the Exploration of the Outer Planets


    Publication date :

    1975-09-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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