AAS 98-149

LAUNCH PERIOD ANALYSIS FOR THE JUPITER GRAVITY ASSIST OPPORTUNITIES TO PLUTO

M. D. Reyes - Naval Postgraduate School; S. E. Matousek - Jet Propulsion Laboratory; I. M. Ross - Naval Postgraduate School

Abstract

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is designing a mission, called the Pluto/Kuiper Express, that will conduct reconnaissance of the Pluto/Charon system, determining the composition, atmosphere, and geological characteristics of each. To reach Pluto in a reasonable time frame at lowest cost, several trajectory options must be considered. Two nominal launch dates are determined, using JPL mission design software, and launch periods are built around them. By comparing the launch energy required by the spacecraft on each day of the period to the performance capabilities of several medium-lift launch vehicles, launch strategies for each day are compiled.

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