AAS 98-106

DESCRIPTION OF THREE CANDIDATE CASSINI SATELLITE TOURS

J. C. Smith - Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Abstract

In July of 2004, Cassini will become the first spacecraft to insert into orbit about Saturn. During the 4 year tour, the spacecraft trajectory is modified by gravity assists provided by the Saturnian satellites. This paper describes three candidate Cassini satellite tours which are indicative of tours currently under consideration. The first 1.2 years of the tour have been finalized; however, the remaining 2.8 years will not be selected until the year 2000 time frame. A comparison of these three tours illustrates the tradeoffs involved in the design process and provides a preview of the characteristics of the final tour.

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