Title :
The CONTOUR discovery mission
Author :
Reynolds, Edward ; Chiu, Mary ; Farquhar, Robert ; Dunham, David
Author_Institution :
Appl. Phys. Lab., Johns Hopkins Univ., Laurel, MD, USA
Abstract :
Over a six-year period, CONTOUR will fly within 100 kilometers of three comet nuclei: Encke in 2003, Schwassmann-Wachmann-3 in 2006, and finally d´Arrest in 2008. CONTOUR will take images, make spectral maps, and analyze dust and gas. The payload includes fixed and tracking imagers that will provide high-resolution images and spectral maps. CONTOUR uses several innovative techniques for performing deep space missions at low cost. These include an indirect launch strategy, unattended hibernation, and an innovative mission and spacecraft design. This paper compares the CONTOUR design and development approach with other recent programs and identifies challenges CONTOUR will face in this era of faster, cheaper, and better
Keywords :
aerospace instrumentation; aerospace propulsion; avionics; image sensors; interplanetary matter; remote sensing; space research; space vehicles; CONTOUR discovery mission; Comet Nucleus Tour Mission; Encke; NASA; Schwassmann-Wachmann-3; comet nuclei; cost; d´Arrest; deep space missions; dust; fixed imagers; high-resolution images; indirect launch strategy; payload; spacecraft design; spectral maps; tracking imagers; Costs; Earth; Image analysis; Instruments; Laboratories; Mars; NASA; Physics; Space missions; Space vehicles;
Conference_Titel :
Aerospace Conference, 1999. Proceedings. 1999 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Snowmass at Aspen, CO
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-5425-7
DOI :
10.1109/AERO.1999.793137
