Answering fundamental questions about ring particle characteristics, and individual and group behavior, appears to require close-proximity (a few km) observations. Saturn's magnificent example of a ring system offers a full range of particle sizes, densities, and behaviors for study, so it is a natural choice for such detailed investigation. Missions implementing these observations require post-approach Delta(V) of approximately 10 km/s or more, so past mission concepts called upon Nuclear Electric Propulsion. The concept described here reduces the propulsive Delta(V) requirement to as little as 3.5 km/s, difficult but not impossible for high-performance chemical propulsion systems. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Saturn Ring Observer


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2001-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Saturn Ring Observer

    Spilker, T. R. / International Academy of Astronautics | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003


    Saturn Ring Observer

    Spilker, T. R. | NTRS | 2000


    Saturn Ring Observer

    Spilker, Thomas R. | Online Contents | 2003


    Saturn Ring Observer Concept Architecture Options

    Spilker, T.R. / Borden, C.S. / Smythe, W. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2011


    Saturn Ring Observer Concept Architecture Options

    Spilker, T.R. / Borden, C.S. / Smythe, W. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2010