Spacecraft Hibernation: Concept vs. Reality, A Mission Operations Manager's Perspective

Abstract

As we continue to explore the far reaches of our solar system, operate spacecraft longer, and continue to request funding for extended missions, we look for ways to be efficient in our use of resources. These cost-saving measures can result in smaller staff, reduced Deep Space Network (DSN) antenna support, shared or multi-mission operations centers, etc. NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto/Charon is a mission that adopted hibernation as part of its operational concept in order to save costs both in staff and in loading on JPL’s (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) DSN. New Horizons is part of NASA’s New Frontiers Program, managed and operated by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). From the initial concept thru its operational phases thus far, hibernation has been an integral part of the operational design of the New Horizons spacecraft. A discussion of the challenges and considerations both pre-launch and post-launch that face the New Horizons mission operations manager is presented. This discussion touches upon the special considerations in operating a hibernating spacecraft, hibernation advantages and disadvantages, technical and team challenges faced due to hibernation, flexibility, and the reality of operating and managing a hibernating spacecraft. It is hoped that this discussion helps other mission operations managers evaluate whether or not their mission is suited to include hibernation as part of their operational concept.