Abstract
Photon-enabled Planetary Small Spacecraft Missions for Planetary Science
Highlights
This paper describes planetary mission concepts connected to science objectives that leverage Rocket Lab’s deep space mission approach
Additional planetary small spacecraft missions with focused investigations are recommended, including dedicated small spacecraft missions that do not rely on launch as a secondary payload
CAPSTONE, launching in 2021, is expected to be the first spacecraft to operate in a near rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO) around the Moon
Summary
Low-cost Decadal-class science missions to planetary destinations enabled by small high-ΔV spacecraft, like the high-energy Photon, support expanding opportunities for scientists and increase the rate of science return. The high-energy Photon can launch on Electron to precisely target escape asymptotes for planetary small spacecraft missions with payload masses up to ~50 kg without the need for a medium or heavy lift launch vehicle. The high-energy Photon can launch as a secondary payload with even greater payload masses to deep-space science targets. The high-energy Photon can access various planetary science targets of interest including the cislunar environment, Small Bodies, Mars, Venus, and the Outer Planets. Additional planetary small spacecraft missions with focused investigations are recommended, including dedicated small spacecraft missions that do not rely on launch as a secondary payload
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