How far will NH pass by Pluto?, - and will it be possible to effect a meaningful course change? |
How far will NH pass by Pluto?, - and will it be possible to effect a meaningful course change? |
Guest_Oersted_* |
Apr 16 2008, 02:16 PM
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#1
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Guests |
So, from what I gather, NH will pass by Pluto at a speed of around 14 km/s. I know it won't be able to slow down in any way, and will continue into deep space afterwards, but is a substantial course change envisaged at Pluto, or will it fly by so far away that the course change will be negligible?
I realise that the instruments must be optimised for a pass at a certain distance, but what distance is that and could it possible by reduced with no ill effects? It would be mindblowing if a low pass over Pluto could be planned so that NH will fly close by Charon as well, wouldn't it? - Or maybe even - to go really out on a limb - a few high-speed figure 8's around both bodies, before the probe continues on its merry way. Would that even be physically possible? At least I'm not suggesting aero-braking if Pluto turns out to have a tenuous atmosphere. |
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Apr 17 2008, 01:35 AM
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#2
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Member Group: Members Posts: 128 Joined: 10-December 06 From: Atlanta Member No.: 1472 |
Looking at the encounter image, it seems that the trajectory is designed such that at closest distance to Pluto, NH is essentially 180 degree off Charon. I guess the design has scarified imaging resolution for the chance of doing radio science during occlusions. Is this the main reason or are there other considerations that forced the trajectory to be where it is? Also, is it possible for Pluto to have any rings (vis-a-vis Rhea)? And if so, is there any planning to look for them (long exposures and such)?
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