Other
Scientific paper
Aug 1992
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992asdy.conf..891k&link_type=abstract
IN: Astrodynamics 1991; Proceedings of the AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Conference, Durango, CO, Aug. 19-22, 1991. Pt. 2 (A92-43251 18
Other
Gravitational Fields, Magellan Spacecraft (Nasa), Space Navigation, Spacecraft Orbits, Venus Surface, Earth-Venus Trajectories, Radar Imagery, Synthetic Aperture Radar
Scientific paper
The orbit characteristics of Magellan are such that the spacecraft is extremely sensitive to gravity perturbations; therefore, the precision orbit determination required to construct the radar images is very dependent on accurate gravitational field modeling. As such, a comparison and analysis is presented of four global harmonic Venusian gravity fields generated by two-way S-band Doppler tracking data from the Pioneer Venus Orbiter in order to support the precise navigational requirements of the Magellan spacecraft. The four fields are: (1) one of degree and order 10 (a 10 x 10) from Mottinger et al. (1985), (2) an 18 x 18 from Bills et al. (1987), (3) a 21 x 21 from McNamee et al. (1990), and (4) a 36 x 36 from Smith et al. (1991). Least-square fits are done with each gravity field on 36 8-rev Magellan X-band data arcs, spaced at 10-deg longitude intervals, completely encircling Venus. Trajectory differences are also performed for two distinct cases, one where the gravity field modeling coincides, and the other where the gravity fields are very different. Although all of the above fields are found to model Venus gravity fairly well, the results show that there is still much room for improvement in Venus gravity modeling.
Engelhardt D. B.
Graat Eric J.
Kronschnabl G. R.
McNamee John B.
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