The end of MESSENGER's mission, What happens after March 2013? |
The end of MESSENGER's mission, What happens after March 2013? |
Apr 21 2012, 10:08 AM
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Junior Member Group: Members Posts: 62 Joined: 11-July 11 Member No.: 6058 |
I know nothing about either the technological constraints or the funding possibilities, but I was wondering if anyone knew what might happen to the probe once the extended mission at Mercury comes to an end. Is it definitely going to be decommissioned? Or is there a chance of sending it somewhere else? Is there sufficient propellant to allow it to break orbit using the LVA, and (say) conduct a flyby of an Aten or Apollo asteroid? I do not know how much delta-v would be required to do this, or even if there are any targets in favourable positions, but it would (to my untrained eye) be an excellent reuse of what has proven itself to be a very capable spacecraft.
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May 6 2012, 05:26 PM
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Merciless Robot Group: Admin Posts: 8785 Joined: 8-December 05 From: Los Angeles Member No.: 602 |
A 15 nm orbit sounds fascinating, but I wonder if the cameras would be able to capture any imagery that wasn't hopelessly smeared. Sounds as if they'd have to use a high-speed version of Cassini's 'skeet-shoot' technique on preselected targets, and presumably that would require considerable ACS activity (and fuel).
-------------------- A few will take this knowledge and use this power of a dream realized as a force for change, an impetus for further discovery to make less ancient dreams real.
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