Preliminary Maneuver Analysis for the Europa Clipper Multiple-Flyby Mission

Abstract

A multiple-flyby mission to the Jovian moon Europa has been proposed. Currently known as the Europa Clipper, the primary objective of this mission would be to observe the science-rich environment of Europa. After a launch in 2021 and a 6.5-year cruise, the Europa Clipper spacecraft would orbit Jupiter’s system for a 3.5-year tour. During the Europa Clipper tour, propulsive maneuvers would be necessary to correct the spacecraft’s trajectory due to flyby dispersions. Maneuvers would be accomplished through the use of two independent propulsion systems. The bi-propellant main engine assembly performs large maneuvers, while the reaction control system thrusters handle small trajectory corrections. This paper presents the feasibility of the proposed tour by producing statistical ∆V results given by the reference trajectory and orbit determination covariance analysis. Preliminary results show that the tour’s statistical ∆V average would be approximately 4 m/s per flyby. This result is comparable to the Cassini Mission at Saturn statistical predictions prior to Saturn Orbit Insertion. However, the number of maneuvers within the typical petal orbit petal duration (i.e. approximately 14 days between Europa flybys) could present challenges to the operational schedule, including the placement of contingency maneuver opportunities. This paper describes the navigation-sensitive portions of the trajectory and offers recommendations to improve robustness.