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Engineering topics

Randolph, J. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Randolph, J. E..

25 records · Page 2

Starprobe - The mission and system options

The current science, mission and system concepts of a Starprobe mission to the sun are summarized for a launch in the late 1980s, arriving at the sun in the early 1990s. Gravitational, optical, and plasma scientific experiments have been studied for this mission to 4 solar radii. The necessarily high energy trajectories rely on Jupiter gravity assist as a means to send sufficient payloads to the sun. New spacecraft subsystem technologies are required to support the scientific data acquisition and return from 4 solar radii and are summarized here. A set of mission and system options to reduce mission cost were investigated and are discussed.

Randolph, J. E.↗

A solar encounter mission - Starprobe

Accurate measurements of the internal mass distribution and dynamics of the sun as well as in situ observations of its environs are proposed through a JPL-designed satellite, STARPROBE. Scheduled for launch in 1988 under NASA's five-year plan, the probe will conduct radiometric experiments to determine the solar quadrupole moment (J2), fields-and-particles experiments (evaluating such phenomena as heating, acceleration, and peak random velocity of solar wind), and optical experiments potentially superior to those of the Earth-orbiting Solar Optical Telescope (SOT). With flight times ranging from 2.7 to 5.9 years, present delivery options comprise planetary gravity-assist trajectories that will give the spacecraft a perihelion of four solar radii at a 90 deg-inclination. Owing to science- and mission requirements, the thermal shield of the craft should tolerate a solar flux 3000 times greater than that at earth, radioisotope thermoelectric generators supplying 700 watts of power, and a three-axis stabilization system with reaction wheels providing control torque. Implementation concepts now under study may change some of the details of the design.

Randolph, J. E.↗

To encounter a star - The Solar Probe mission

Trajectory and technology requirements for the Solar Probe mission, whereby a spacecraft will attain a perihelion of a few solar radii, are discussed. Planetary gravity assist trajectories are considered that use Jupiter and possibly the earth, and that are needed for large payloads to be carried. Hardware technology development includes a lightweight thermal shield, a high energy propulsion module, and new power generation capability. Also discussed are a drag compensation system making the spacecraft drag free to a level of 10 to the -10th g, and a telecommunications system with doppler tracking accuracy of 0.1 mm/sec.

Randolph, J. E.↗

Solar probe study

Realistic options for a Solar Probe Mission consistent with known technical, fiscal, and programmatic constraints are identified. A program plan for NASA which includes identification of necessary research and development activities is developed. A baseline mission and a strawman spacecraft design were selected and used to determine the feasibility of meeting the mission requirements and the sensitivity to variations in those requirements.

Randolph, J. E.↗

Mariner Mars 1964 flight dynamic data

Telemetry data in and around Mars spacecraft area analyzed for Mariner III and IV space probes by data from vibration transducers on payload and microphones on umbilical tower

TELEMETRY↗