This is an example concept for an Outer Solar System Flyby Second-Generation Microspacecraft. In this concept, the spacecraft autonomously provides imaging and imaging spectroscopy of objects in the outer solar system for spacecraft solar ranges of 3 to 39 AU and Earth ranges up to 38 AU. Estimated spacecraft wet mass, launch configuration size, and load power are, respectively, 8.4 kg, 46-cm diameter x 30-cm, and 0.1 to 15 W (depending on operating state). In this mass regime, missions to the outer solar system with relatively short trip times appear possible using relatively small launch vehicles with appropriate upper stages. Unlike the other example SGM, this spacecraft spends most of its time in cruise in a "hibernation" state in which only a clock/timer is operating and electrical power is being stored. Also, since communications rates are low and operating periods are limited, more on-board data analysis is utilized, particularly for long-range targets, than in the other example SGM concepts. Developed in 1993-1995, a vision, approach, and example system concepts for Second-Generation Microspacecraft (SGM) have the intent of helping enable NASA's paradigm shift to less expensive, better, faster missions. Envisioned is a future in which a significant number of missions can be carried out with SGM that have low life-cycle cost, provide high return on investment, allow frequent flight, and contribute to innovation in technology. Key elements of the approach to realizing this vision include reducing spacecraft resource requirements and complexity, minimizing spacecraft size and mass, using production "core" building blocks and extensive spacecraft autonomy, and eliminating non-cost-effective redundancy. The first element of the approach also implies targeting appropriate, focused missions and payloads, using on-board analysis and data compression, minimizing spacecraft power needs, and using low-nuclear or, preferably, non-nuclear energy sources. Example spacecraft system concepts that are consistent with the approach include the Outer Solar System Flyby SGM, Near-Earth-Object Flyby SGM, Near- Earth-Object Rendezvous SGM, and Space Physics Fields and Particles SGM.
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This is an example concept for an Outer Solar System Flyby Second-Generation Microspacecraft. In this concept, the spacecraft autonomously provides imaging and imaging spectroscopy of objects in the outer solar system for spacecraft solar ranges of 3 to 39 AU and Earth ranges up to 38 AU. Estimated spacecraft wet mass, launch configuration size, and load power are, respectively, 8.4 kg, 46-cm diameter x 30-cm, and 0.1 to 15 W (depending on operating state). In this mass regime, missions to the outer solar system with relatively short trip times appear possible using relatively small launch vehicles with appropriate upper stages. Unlike the other example SGM, this spacecraft spends most of its time in cruise in a "hibernation" state in which only a clock/timer is operating and electrical power is being stored. Also, since communications rates are low and operating periods are limited, more on-board data analysis is utilized, particularly for long-range targets, than in the other example SGM concepts. Developed in 1993-1995, a vision, approach, and example system concepts for Second-Generation Microspacecraft (SGM) have the intent of helping enable NASA's paradigm shift to less expensive, better, faster missions. Envisioned is a future in which a significant number of missions can be carried out with SGM that have low life-cycle cost, provide high return on investment, allow frequent flight, and contribute to innovation in technology. Key elements of the approach to realizing this vision include reducing spacecraft resource requirements and complexity, minimizing spacecraft size and mass, using production "core" building blocks and extensive spacecraft autonomy, and eliminating non-cost-effective redundancy. The first element of the approach also implies targeting appropriate, focused missions and payloads, using on-board analysis and data compression, minimizing spacecraft power needs, and using low-nuclear or, preferably, non-nuclear energy sources. Example spacecraft system concepts that are consistent with the approach include the Outer Solar System Flyby SGM, Near-Earth-Object Flyby SGM, Near- Earth-Object Rendezvous SGM, and Space Physics Fields and Particles SGM.
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