A data base and comparative performance analyses of alternative flight mode options for delivering a range of payload masses to Mercury orbit are provided. Launch opportunities over the period 1980-2000 are considered. Extensive data trades are developed for the ballistic flight mode option utilizing one or more swingbys of Venus. Advanced transport options studied include solar electric propulsion and solar sailing. Results show the significant performance tradeoffs among such key parameters as trip time, payload mass, propulsion system mass, orbit size, launch year sensitivity and relative cost-effectiveness. Handbook-type presentation formats, particularly in the case of ballistic mode data, provide planetary program planners with an easily used source of reference information essential in the preliminary steps of mission selection and planning.
Mercury Orbiter Transport Study
1977
128 pages
Report
No indication
English
Astronautics , Spacecraft Trajectories & Flight Mechanics , Planetary orbits , Ballistic trajectories , Cost effectiveness , Flight time , Mission planning , Modes , Payloads , Solar electric propulsion , Solar sails , Spacecraft performance , Structural analysis , Swingby technique , Tradeoffs , Mercury probes , Space probes , Handbooks , Mercury(Plant) , Data compilation
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