BASICS OF SPACE FLIGHT

Contents

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

INTRODUCTION

Learning Strategy
If You Have Questions
Help with Abbreviations and Units of Measure
How to Get a Paper Copy

SECTION I . THE ENVIRONMENT OF SPACE

1. The Solar System

Distances Within the Solar System
The Sun
Interplanetary Space
The Terrestrial Planets
The Jovian Planets
Inferior and Superior Planets
Asteroids
Comets
Meteoroids

Terrestrial Coordinates
Rotation of Earth
Precession of the Earth Axis
Revolution of Earth
The Celestial Sphere
Right Ascension, Declination, and Related Terms
Time Conventions

Ellipses
Newton's Principles of Mechanics
Acceleration in Orbit
Kepler's Laws
Gravity Gradients (Tidal Forces)
How Orbits Work

Hohmann Transfer Orbits
Gravity Assist Trajectories

Orbital Parameters and Elements
Types of Orbits

Electromagnetic Radiation
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Natural and Artificial Emitters
Radio Frequencies
Spectroscopy
Doppler Effect
Differenced Doppler
Reflection
Refraction
Phase

SECTION II . SPACE FLIGHT PROJECTS

7. Overview of Mission Inception

Conceptual Study
Phase A: Preliminary Analysis (Proof of Concept)
Phase B: Definition
Phase C/D: Design and Development
Operations Phase
Design Considerations

The Scientific Community
Gathering Scientific Data
Science and Engineering Data
The Science Data Pipeline
Radio Science
Gravity Field Surveys
Dissemination of Results

Flyby Spacecraft
Orbiter Spacecraft
Atmospheric Probe Spacecraft
Atmospheric Balloon Packages
Lander Spacecraft
Surface Penetrator Spacecraft
Surface Rover Spacecraft
Current Flight Projects at JPL
Future Flight Projects at JPL

Descriptions and Illustrations of the Spacecraft

• Voyagers 1 and 2
  
• Magellan
  
• Ulysses
  
• TOPEX/Poseidon
  
• Pioneers 10 and 11
  
• Viking Lander
  
• Mars Observer
  
• Mars Global Surveyor
  
• Galileo Orbiter
  
• Galileo Atmospheric Probe
  
• Cassini
  
• Huygens Probe
  
• Mars Pathfinder
  
• Mars Lander, Deployed
  
• Mars Balloon
  
• Pluto Spacecraft
  

Signal Power
Uplink and Downlink
Modulation and Demodulation
Multiplexing
Coherence

Detailed Galileo Drawing to Illustrate Chapters 11 and 12
Subsystems and Systems
Structural Subsystems
Data Handling Subsystems
Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystems
Telecommunications Subsystems
Electrical Power Supply and Distribution Subsystems
Environmental Subsystems
Propulsion Subsystems
Pyrotechnic Subsystems
Block Diagram Illustration
Redundancy and Flexibility
Advanced Technologies

Science Payload
Direct and Remote Sensing
Direct-Sensing Science Instruments
Remote-Sensing Science Instruments
Active Sensing Science Instruments

Data Types
Spacecraft Velocity Measurement
Spacecraft Distance Measurement
Spacecraft Angular Measurement
Optical Navigation
Orbit Determination
Trajectory Correction Maneuvers
Orbit Trim Maneuvers

SECTION III. SPACE FLIGHT OPERATIONS

14. Launch Phase

Launch Vehicles
Launch Sites
Launch Windows
Preparations For Launch

Spacecraft Checkout and Characterization
Real-time Commanding
Typical Daily Operations
Preparation for Encounter

Flyby Operations
Planetary Orbit Insertion
System Exploration and Planetary Mapping
Occultations
Gravity Field Surveying
Atmospheric Entry and Aerobraking
Landing
Balloon Tracking
Sampling

Completion Of Primary Objectives
Additional Science Data
End of Mission