A Saturn Ring Observer Mission Using Multi-Mission Radioisotope Power Systems

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AIP Conf. Proc. / Volume 813 / Issue 1

A Saturn Ring Observer Mission Using Multi-Mission Radioisotope Power Systems

AIP Conf. Proc. -- January 20, 2006 -- Volume 813 , pp. 155-162
SPACE TECH.&APPLIC.INT.FORUM-STAIF 2006: 10th Conf Thermophys Applic Microgravity; 23rd Symp Space Nucl Pwr &Propulsion; 4th Conf Human/Robotic Tech &Nat'l Vision for Space Explor.; 4th Symp Space Coloniz.; 3rd Symp on New Frontiers &Future Concepts; doi:10.1063/1.2169191 Issue Date: 20 January 2006 ABSTRACT Robert D. Abelson, Thomas R. Spilker, and James H. Shirley
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Mail Stop 301445W, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099

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Saturn remains one of the most fascinating planets within the solar system. To better understand the complex ring structure of this planet, a conceptual Saturn Ring Observer (SRO) mission is presented that would spend one year in close proximity to Saturn's A and B rings, and perform detailed observations and measurements of the ring particles and electric and magnetic fields. The primary objective of the mission would be to understand ring dynamics, including the microphysics of individual particles and small scale (meters to a few kilometers) phenomena such as particle agglomeration behavior. This would be accomplished by multispectral imaging of the rings at multiple key locations within the A and B rings, and by ring-particle imaging at an unprecedented resolution of 0.5 cm/pixel. The SRO spacecraft would use a Venus-Earth-Earth-Jupiter Gravity Assist (VEEJGA) and be aerocaptured into Saturn orbit using an advanced aeroshell design to minimize propellant mass. Once in orbit, the SRO would stand off from the ring plane 1 to 1.4 km using chemical thrusters to provide short propulsive maneuvers four times per revolution, effectively causing the SRO vehicle to "hop" above the ring plane. The conceptual SRO spacecraft would be enabled by the use of a new generation of multi-mission Radioisotope Power Systems (RPSs) currently being developed by NASA and DOE. These RPSs include the Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) and Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG). The RPSs would generate all necessary electrical power ( 330 W e at beginning of life) during the 10-year cruise and 1-year science mission (~11 years total). The RPS heat would be used to maintain the vehicle's operating and survival temperatures, minimizing the need for electrical heaters. Such a mission could potentially launch in the 20152020 timeframe, with operations at Saturn commencing in approximately 2030. 2006 American Institute of Physics
Permalink: http://link.aip.org/link/?APCPCS/813/155/1

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Keywords power systems, radioisotope thermoelectric generators, space power generation, space research, Saturn, planetary rings PACS 28.50.Hw Power and production reactors 84.60.Rb Thermoelectric, electrogasdynamic and other direct energy conversion excluding electrochemical, photoelectric, magnetohydrodynamic, and thermionic conversion 07.87.+v Spaceborne and space research instruments, apparatus, and components PUBLICATION DATA (satellites, space vehicles, etc.) 96.30.Wr Planetary rings YEAR: 2006

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