Enabling repeat-pass interferometry from low Venus orbit

Abstract

Repeat-pass interferometry is a powerful technique for determining changes in topography by flying a radar over the terrain two or more times. These overflights must be very close to each other in space. To design and maintain a low Venus orbit that enables this requires the consideration of drag, non-spherical gravity effects, and solar tides. Once the orbit is designed, the spacecraft must be navigated. To do so requires the use of radar-based terrain-relative navigation in addition to the traditional radiometric datatypes. The mission design and navigation to enable repeat-pass interferometry at Venus are described.