Conceptual Design of a Communications Relay Satellite for a Lunar Sample Return Mission

Details Conceptual Design of a Communications Relay Satellite for a Lunar Sample Return Mission Conceptual Design of a Communications Relay Satellite for a Lunar Sample Return Mission

Sep 2005

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005stin...0532849b&link_type=abstract

Technical Report, NASA/CR-2005-213034

Computer Science

Relay Satellites, Sample Return Missions, Satellite Design, Lunar Geology, Structural Basins, Costs, Lunar Rocks, Lunar Soil, Eccentric Orbits, Flyby Missions, Time Of Flight Spectrometers, Earth-Moon System

Scientific paper

In 2003, NASA solicited proposals for a robotic exploration of the lunar surface. Submissions were requested for a lunar sample return mission from the South Pole-Aitken Basin. The basin is of interest because it is thought to contain some of the oldest accessible rocks on the lunar surface. A mission is under study that will land a spacecraft in the basin, collect a sample of rock fragments, and return the sample to Earth. Because the Aitken Basin is on the far side of the Moon, the lander will require a communications relay satellite (CRS) to maintain contact with the Earth during its surface operation. Design of the CRS's orbit is therefore critical. This paper describes a mission design which includes potential transfer and mission orbits, required changes in velocity, orbital parameters, and mission dates. Several different low lunar polar orbits are examined to compare their availability to the lander versus the distance over which they must communicate. In addition, polar orbits are compared to a halo orbit about the Earth-Moon L2 point, which would permit continuous communication at a cost of increased fuel requirements and longer transmission distances. This thesis also examines some general parameters of the spacecraft systems for the mission under study. Mission requirements for the lander dictate the eventual choice of mission orbit. This mission could be the first step in a period of renewed lunar exploration and eventual human landings.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Conceptual Design of a Communications Relay Satellite for a Lunar Sample Return Mission does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Conceptual Design of a Communications Relay Satellite for a Lunar Sample Return Mission, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Conceptual Design of a Communications Relay Satellite for a Lunar Sample Return Mission will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1223676