Start Date
4-1974 8:00 AM
Description
A prime mission candidate for initiating exploration of both a comet and asteroids with unmanned spacecraft is available during the 1980 apparition of the short-period Comet Encke. Direct investigation of such bodies is expected to provide the best insight into conditions existing during the early periods of solar system evolution.
A discussion is presented on low-cost ballistic mission options to Comet Encke. Particular emphasis is given to the results of a recentlycompleted study of ballistically-launched, spinstabilized spacecraft for 1980 missions to Comet Encke and the asteroids Geographos and Toro. Characteristics and utilization of a small, separable probe to enhance comet science return are also described. In conclusion, it is shown that the Encke ballistic flyby can provide the necessary technical foundation to support the planning of more advanced Encke follow-on missions as well as the challenging flyby of Comet Halley in 1986.
Ballistic Missions To Comet Encke In 1980 -A New Phase Of Solar System Exploration
A prime mission candidate for initiating exploration of both a comet and asteroids with unmanned spacecraft is available during the 1980 apparition of the short-period Comet Encke. Direct investigation of such bodies is expected to provide the best insight into conditions existing during the early periods of solar system evolution.
A discussion is presented on low-cost ballistic mission options to Comet Encke. Particular emphasis is given to the results of a recentlycompleted study of ballistically-launched, spinstabilized spacecraft for 1980 missions to Comet Encke and the asteroids Geographos and Toro. Characteristics and utilization of a small, separable probe to enhance comet science return are also described. In conclusion, it is shown that the Encke ballistic flyby can provide the necessary technical foundation to support the planning of more advanced Encke follow-on missions as well as the challenging flyby of Comet Halley in 1986.
Comments
Planetary Exploration
Session Chairman: H. N. Levy, Jr., Station Manager, Jet Propulsion Laboratories/Eastern Test Range
Session Organizer: James W. Johnson, Chief, Projects Management Office, ULO, NASA/KSC
No other information or file available for this session.