2/23/10 7:44 PMA 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-MissionRadioisotope Power SystemsAIP Conf. Proc. -- January 20, 2006 -- Volume 813, pp. 155-162SPACE TECH.&APPLIC.INT.FORUM-STAIF 2006: 10th Conf Thermophys ApplicMicrogravity; 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

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ABSTRACT

Robert D. Abelson, Thomas R. Spilker, and James H. ShirleyJet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Mail Stop 301-445W, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099

Saturn remains one of the most fascinating planets within the solar system. To betterunderstand 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 Aand B rings, and perform detailed observations and measurements of the ring particlesand electric and magnetic fields. The primary objective of the mission would be tounderstand ring dynamics, including the microphysics of individual particles and smallscale (meters to a few kilometers) phenomena such as particle agglomeration behavior.This would be accomplished by multispectral imaging of the rings at multiple keylocations within the A and B rings, and by ring-particle imaging at an unprecedentedresolution of 0.5 cm/pixel. The SRO spacecraft would use a Venus-Earth-Earth-JupiterGravity Assist (VEEJGA) and be aerocaptured into Saturn orbit using an advancedaeroshell design to minimize propellant mass. Once in orbit, the SRO would stand offfrom the ring plane 1 to 1.4 km using chemical thrusters to provide short propulsivemaneuvers four times per revolution, effectively causing the SRO vehicle to "hop" abovethe ring plane. The conceptual SRO spacecraft would be enabled by the use of a newgeneration of multi-mission Radioisotope Power Systems (RPSs) currently beingdeveloped by NASA and DOE. These RPSs include the Multi-Mission RadioisotopeThermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) and Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG). TheRPSs would generate all necessary electrical power ( 330 We at beginning of life)during the 10-year cruise and 1-year science mission (~11 years total). The RPS heatwould be used to maintain the vehicle's operating and survival temperatures, minimizingthe need for electrical heaters. Such a mission could potentially launch in the 2015–2020timeframe, with operations at Saturn commencing in approximately 2030. ©2006American Institute of Physics

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KEYWORDS and PACS

Keywords

power systems, radioisotope thermoelectricgenerators, space power generation, spaceresearch, Saturn, planetary rings

PACS

28.50.HwPower and production reactors

84.60.RbThermoelectric, electrogasdynamic andother direct energy conversion excludingelectrochemical, photoelectric,magnetohydrodynamic, and thermionicconversion

07.87.+vSpaceborne and space researchinstruments, apparatus, and components(satellites, space vehicles, etc.)

96.30.WrPlanetary rings

YEAR: 2006

PUBLICATION DATA

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