Guidance and Control of the Mariner Planetary Spacecraft

Abstract

The unmanned exploration of the Moon and nearby planets imposes very significant requirements on the guidance and control system of both the booster rocket and the spacecraft. The booster rocket must be launched into a narrow, moving corridor with great precision within a limited period of time. After separation, the spacecraft must be capable of providing corrections to the trajectory and controlling the orientation of solar panels, antennas, and scientific instruments.The guidance and control systems of the Mariner planetary spacecraft are described. Some of the techniques developed to provide redundant operation during the long interplanetary flight are discussed. Flight performance of the Mariner guidance and control systems is reported.