Engineering topics

Potts, Dennis L.

Publications and source records attributed to Potts, Dennis L..

2 records

NASA NTRS1991

Mars Observer spacecraft description

The Mars Observer spacecraft implements the science and mission objectives for a planetary observer program with a design baseline evolving from existing, proven, flight subsystem designs and production techniques. The spacecraft conforms to a set of high-level functional requirements, allowing a development process with a high degree of flexibility in meeting performance, mission, and science requirements. The intent of the implementation approach is to procure a design-to-cost, reliable, production-type spacecraft that can accommodate the complement of science instruments and meet mission requirements with adequate margins.

Potts, Dennis L.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Mars Observer spacecraft

The technical aspects of the spacecraft for the Mars Observer mission are discussed. The spacecraft development focuses on using existing flight subsystem designs and production techniques to offer a low-cost, reliable, production-type spacecraft. The scientific objectives of the mission and the scientific payloads of the spacecraft are considered. The spacecraft system and its performance are discussed. The subsystems are described in detail, including attitude and articulation control, electrical power supply, propulsion, structure, thermal control, command and data handling, telecommunications, mechanics, and flight software.

Potts, Dennis L.↗