The bipropellant engine retropropulsion module (RPM) of the Jupiter-exploration Galileo spacecraft provides attitude control, trajectory correction, a deep space velocity increment, a spacecraft deflection maneuver for an entry capsule, a retromaneuver for Jupiter approach, and a 'perijove raise' maneuver for the Jovian system tour of the spacecraft. Attention is given to the design features and performance capabilities of the RPM, which uses a set of 12 10-N thrusters in conjunction with a 400-N engine. Tanks contain 935 kg of propellant to satisfy mission requirements.
Development of a bipropellant propulsion module for the Galileo spacecraft
1984-06-01
Conference paper
No indication
English