Space science missions are rarely a repeat of a predecessor and thus in the wider view they do not have the benefit of heritage-related statistics. This paper discusses the cost and risk factors in gaining access to space and describes the challenges of the forthcoming Rosetta mission, which has the objective of conducting studies of a comet and its increasing activity as it moves towards the sun. It will fly in formation with the nucleus and later send a lander to its surface to conduct in situ measurements. Reference will be made to the further challenges for the scientific instruments faced by an eight-year period of inactivity during the cruise phase after launch.

    Statistics have a part to play at the component and unit test levels but are increasingly less relevant at instrument, spacecraft and mission levels. Ultimately the designer is faced with a string of single-point failure possibilities, commencing with the launch vehicle and culminating with the unknown surface conditions that will greet the lander.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Risk aspects of a mission to a comet


    Contributors:
    Turner, R F (author)


    Publication date :

    1998-03-01


    Size :

    7 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Risk aspects of a mission to a comet

    Turner, R.F. | Online Contents | 1998


    Autonomous on-comet operations aspects of the ROSETTA mission

    Schilling, K. / Roth, H. / Theobold, B. | Tema Archive | 1994


    Comet Rendezvous Mission Study

    A. L. Friedlander / W. C. Wells | NTIS | 1971


    Multi-Comet Flyby/Dual-Comet Sample Return Mission

    R. W. Farquhar / M. B. Niedner / S. P. Maran et al. | NTIS | 1986


    Comet rendezvous mission study

    Friedlander, A. L. / Wells, W. C. | NTRS | 1971