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Radio Science Techniques for Deep Space Exploration
book

Radio Science Techniques for Deep Space Exploration

by Sami W. Asmar
March 2022
Intermediate to advanced content levelIntermediate to advanced
352 pages
12h 30m
English
Wiley
Content preview from Radio Science Techniques for Deep Space Exploration

3 Gravity Science and Planetary Interiors

3.1 Overview

Planetary bodies have influence inherent to their mass that extends into space as gravitational fields that is detectable by objects in the vicinity such as spacecraft on scientific missions. One of the earliest applications of radio science (RS) techniques was in the study of planetary gravitational fields for the purpose of deducing planetary properties, such as bulk mass (radio scientists weigh the planets), mass/density distribution, internal density gradients, and interior structures and composition. This research is referred to in the scientific literature as gravity science, planetary gravimetry, planetary geodesy, or celestial mechanics investigations. Table 3.1 lists completed and selected planned gravity experiments from spacecraft radiometric data.

Table 3.1 Summary of gravity experiments from spacecraft radiometric data (and selected planned future experiments).

Planetary body Mission Year
Mercury Mariner 10 1974
  MESSENGER 2011–2015
  BepiColombo Planned for 2025
Venus Mariner 2 1962
  Mariner 10 1974
  Pioneer Venus 1978
  Magellan 1991
Moon Luna 10 1966
  Lunar Orbiters I-V 1966–1967
  Apollo 15/16 subsatellites 1971–1972
  Clementine 1994
  Lunar Prospector 1998–1999
  SELENE 2007–2009
  Chang’E-1 2007–2008
  GRAIL 2011–2012
Mars Mariner 9 1971
  Viking 1, 2 1976
  Mars Global Surveyor 1997–2006
  Mars Pathfinder 1997
  Mars Express (targets) 2003–present
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Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9781119734147Purchase Link