Planetary scientist says: Focus on Europa |
Planetary scientist says: Focus on Europa |
Guest_AlexBlackwell_* |
Feb 12 2007, 11:26 PM
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Planetary scientist says: Focus on Europa
By Tony Fitzpatrick Washington University in St. Louis News & Information February 7, 2007 |
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Feb 15 2007, 05:20 AM
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Senior Member Group: Moderator Posts: 3242 Joined: 11-February 04 From: Tucson, AZ Member No.: 23 |
I think the seasons of each of the main targets may dictate which each mission should take place. For Europa, a mission can occur at any time since it has a very low axial tilt with respect to the ecliptic, and there is no polar region priority. For Titan, it would be best for a mission to reach Titan at or shortly before equinox so that 2 micron mapping coverage can be obtained for the entire satellite. For Enceladus, the best time would be at or shortly before southern summer solstice to get the best coverage possible of the south polar region.
Given this, here is a possible schedule: Europa: Launch 2013-2014 Arrival: 2015-2016 Titan: Launch: 2018-2019 Arrival: 2025 Enceladus: Launch: 2025-2026 Arrival: 2032 Of course, add in some New Frontiers missions to Io... -------------------- &@^^!% Jim! I'm a geologist, not a physicist!
The Gish Bar Times - A Blog all about Jupiter's Moon Io |
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