AAS 97-706
MESSENGER MERCURY ORBITER MISSION OVERVIEW AND TRAJECTORY DESIGN
J. McAdams and J. Horsewood - The Johns Hopkins University
Abstract
MESSENGER is a MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging mission utilizing multiple Venus and Mercury gravity assists en route to a one earth-year orbital mission at Mercury. Proposed by the Carnegie Institution of Washington, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, GenCorp Aerojet, and Composite Optics, Inc., MESSENGER utilizes an advanced bi-propellant-powered spacecraft combining generous margins with cutting-edge technologies and known techniques to define the mission best able to address key science questions at minimum cost and reduced risk. Selected by NASA as one of five Discovery Program Feasibility Studies, MESSENGER would launch in August 2002.