AAS 95-388

Orbit Determination Support for the Clementine Mission During Lunar Orbit Phase

C. Minnie, C. Yee and M. Beckman, NASA/GSFC, Greenbelt, MD

Abstract

The Clementine mission was launched on January 25, 1994, During the months that followed, the mission achieved its primary objective: to flight test a variety of lightweight new technology. In addition, a secondary scientific objective to map the lunar surface was also achieved. Due to Clementine's complex orbital characteristics, the mission provided a unique challenge to orbit determination (OD) support in many orbital regimes. This paper concentrates on the OD support provided for the Clementine mission during its lunar orbit phase. An overview of the premission error analysis performed as well as OD support and accuracy achieved during the lunar phase.