Abstract
Due to Mercury's small mass and position deep within the solar gravitational well, an orbiter mission poses difficult performance requirements (i.e. ΔV, thermal extremes). However, Yen (JPL) showed that with extended trip times, substantial Mercury missions are feasible. Low cost, quick concept-to-launch, high quality, and reliability are balanced in constraining a small spacecraft mission to Mercury. The primary science objective is high quality multispectral imagery and altimetry. The spacecraft is based on the Clementine spacecraft and sensors. UV/Visual/infrared cameras, star trackers, and a laser altimeter are proposed to determine mineralogical composition, surface structure/morphology, spectral/compositional mapping, and topography. Clementine sensors would require upgrades to enhance thermal dissipation and to increase radiation protection. The first available launch opportunity is in August 1996 and the target orbit is a 300 km polar Mercury orbit. Launch vehicle options are discussed. Options for companion or follow-on spacecraft are presented.
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