Physics
Scientific paper
May 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004agusm.p33c..02c&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Spring Meeting 2004, abstract #P33C-02
Physics
6035 Orbital And Rotational Dynamics, 6050 Plasma And Mhd Instabilities, 6062 Satellites, 6094 Instruments And Techniques, 6265 Planetary Rings
Scientific paper
The Saturn Autonomous Ring Array (SARA) mission concept applies the Autonomous Nano-Technology Swarm (ANTS) architecture, a paradigm developed for exploration of high surface area and/or multi-body targets. ANTS architecture involves large numbers of tiny, highly autonomous, yet socially interactive, craft, in a small number of specialist classes. SARA will acquire in situ observations in the high gravity environment of Saturn's rings. The high potential for collision represents an insurmountable challenge for previous mission designs. Each ANTS nanocraft weighs approximately a kilogram, and thus requires gossamer structures for all subsystems. Individual specialists include Workers, the vast majority, that acquire scientific measurements, as well as Messenger/Rulers that provide communication and coordination. The high density distribution of particles combines with the high intensity gravity and magnetic field environment to produce dynamic plasmas. Plasma, particle, wave, and field detectors will take measurements from the edge of the ring plane to observe the result of particle interactions. Imagers and spectrome-ters would measure variations composition and dust/gas ratio among particles using a strategy for serial rendezvous with individual particles. The numbers and distances of these particles, as well as anticipated high attrition rate, re-quire hundreds of spacecraft to characterize thousands of particles and ring features over the course of the mission. The bimodal propulsion system would include a large solar sail carrier for transporting the swarm the long distance in low gravity between deployment site and the target, and a nuclear system for each craft for maneuvering in the high gravity regime of Saturn's rings.
Cheung Chi-Yee
Clark Pamela E.
Curtis Steven Andrew
Mumma Michael J.
Rilee Mike L.
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