Computer Science
Scientific paper
Sep 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008epsc.conf..182r&link_type=abstract
European Planetary Science Congress 2008, Proceedings of the conference held 21-25 September, 2008 in Münster, Germany. Online a
Computer Science
Scientific paper
A mission to Titan is a high priority for exploration, as recommended by the 2007 NASA Science Plan, the 2006 Solar System Exploration Roadmap, and the 2003 National Research Council of the National Academies Solar System report on New Frontiers in the Solar System: An Integrated Exploration Strategy (aka Decadal Survey). As anticipated by the 2003 Decadal Survey, recent Cassini-Huygens discoveries have further revolutionized our understanding of the Titan system and its potential for harbouring the "ingredients" necessary for life. These discoveries reveal that Titan is rich in organics, possibly contains a vast subsurface ocean and has energy sources to drive chemical evolution. With these recent discoveries, the interest in Titan as the next scientific target in the outer Solar System is strongly reinforced. Cassini's discovery of active geysers on Enceladus adds a second target in the Saturn system for such a mission, one that is synergistic with Titan in understanding planetary evolution and in adding a potential abode in the Saturn system for life as we know it. The baseline mission concept shown in Figures 1 and 2 would consist of a chemically propelled orbiter, with accommodations for ESA contributed in situ elements, and would launch on an Atlas 551 in 2016-2018 timeframe, traveling to Saturn on a Venus-Earth-Earth gravity assist (VEEGA) trajectory, and reaching Saturn approximately 10 years later. Prior to Saturn orbit insertion (SOI) the orbiter would target and release ESA provided in situ elements; possibly a low-latitude Montgolfiere balloon system and capable polar and/or mid-latitude lander. The main engine would then place the flight system into orbit around Saturn for a tour phase lasting 18 months. This tour phase would accomplish Saturn system and Enceladus science (4 Enceladus flybys with instrumentation for plume sampling well beyond Cassini capability) while executing leveraging Titan pump down manoeuvres to minimize the required amount of propellant required for Titan orbit insertion. Following its 1.5 year Saturn system tour, the spacecraft would enter into a 950 km by 15,000 km elliptical orbit. The next phase would utilize concurrent aerosampling and aerobraking (to a depth of 600 km altitude) in Titan's upper atmosphere, gradually moving the orbit toward circular and reducing the propellant required to achieve a final circular mapping orbit. The spacecraft would execute a final periapsis raise burn to achieve a 1500 km circular, 85º polar mapping orbit that initiates in the 10 AM orbit plane and would move ~ 40º towards the 8 AM orbit plane. At completion of the mission, a disposal phase would be initiated by simply letting the spacecraft decay under the influence of Saturn perturbations and Titan's atmospheric drag. The Titan Saturn System Mission is enabled by proven flight systems, launch capabilities, and wellunderstood trajectory options. The concept relies on traditional chemical propulsion (similar to Cassini and Galileo), a power source consisting of five Multi- Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (MMRTGs) and a robust data downlink. The Titan Saturn System Mission maps well to NASA and ESA scientific objectives. This concept builds on a considerable basis of previous work and indicates that a flagship-class Titan mission is ready to enter Phase A and could be launched in the 2016-18 timeframe, requiring no new technologies. Furthermore, this mission includes accommodations to deliver and support ESA provided in situ elements (e.g., Montgolfiere balloon system and capable lander) should they be available. Alternative concepts (abiet higher cost) have been identified that provide benefits to the mission of reduced trip time to Saturn, higher delivered mass, enhanced resources for in situ accommodation and mission flexibility. These options, taken with the baseline described herein, provide NASA and ESA with a robust trade space for implementing a Titan Saturn System Mission.
Beauchamp Pierre
Elliott Jacquelyn
Reh Kim
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