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Preliminary feasibility study of a multi-Phobos encounter experiment during the Viking extended missionThe Viking '75 Mission to Mars is reported which permits a truly unique opportunity to explore the natural satellite, Phobos, from distances measured in tens of kilometers. A preliminary feasibility study has been made which shows that a science mission involving a Phobos close encounter is technically feasible and within the capabilities of the current Viking design. For less than 20 m/s, the Viking Orbiter can provide approximately two 40-day periods of close observation of Phobos, with the first encounter period in January and the second in March, 1977. Multi-pass images of the entire satellite from nearly all aspect angles and with resolution on the order of 10 meters are possible. Close encounters will permit mass determinations to an accuracy of tens of percent. These experiments can be performed in series with the nominal mission; thus, providing complementary scientific information without compromising the original mission and science objectives.
Document ID
19740026169
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Tolson, R. H. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Blanchard, R. C. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Daniels, E. F. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 3, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1974
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-X-72004
Accession Number
74N34282
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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