Cassini end-of-life escape trajectories to the outer planets

Masataka Okutsu, Chit Hong Yam, James M. Longuski, Nathan J. Strange

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

We investigate Saturn-escape trajectories via Titan gravity assist as an option for a contamination-free, end-of-life scenario for the Cassini spacecraft. The Saturn-escape energy can be large enough to reach anywhere from the asteroid belt to the Kuiper belt, including the orbital radii of all gas giants, from Jupiter (at 5 AU) to Neptune (at 30 AU). In one example, we present a transfer to Jupiter in which the Cassini spacecraft escapes Saturn in 2012 to impact Jupiter nine years later.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAstrodynamics 2007 - Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Proceedings of the AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference
Pages117-143
Number of pages27
StatePublished - 2008
Event2007 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference - Mackinac Island, MI, United States
Duration: Aug 19 2007Aug 23 2007

Publication series

NameAdvances in the Astronautical Sciences
Volume129 PART 1
ISSN (Print)0065-3438

Other

Other2007 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMackinac Island, MI
Period8/19/078/23/07

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

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