Abstract: The next logical step in the exploration of Mercury is an orbiter mission. A conflict exists between those in the field of planetary sciences who desire a mission with a low circular orbit, and scientists in the fields and particles disciplines, who generally prefer a highly elliptical spacecraft orbit. The thermal environment imposed by the sun and planet render the low orbit intolerable for spacecraft using previous thermal control methods. A thermal control concept and a spacecraft mission concept have been developed which resolve these problems and promise a scientifically significant mission for the mid-1980s.
Publication Year: 1978
Publication Date: 1978-01-16
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 5
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