Mars Observer orbit determination analysis

Abstract

Results are presented of a simulated orbit determination analysis for three phases of the Mars Observer mission (interplanetary cruise, orbit insertion, and mapping), together with a summary of orbital accuracies throughout the Mars Observer mission. The plan for achieving the navigation objectives of the Mars Observer mission is described. These objectives are to navigate the Mars Observer spacecraft to Mars and achieve accurate targeting at Mars; to propulsively maneuver the spacecraft into a 3-day period, capture orbit; to navigate the spacecraft into a 1.96-hr period low-altitude, nearly circular mapping orbit; and to maintain Mars Observer in the mapping orbit throughout the 687 days devoted for scientific data acquisition. Factors that will affect the spacecraft during each of the three phases are discussed.