Encke flyby science package

Abstract

Cometary exploration objectives are considered, giving attention to reasons for the selection of Encke as a target for early exploration missions. An Encke environmental model is discussed together with the scientific requirements of an exploratory mission, instrument selection criteria, and the science payload. The instruments to be used include a television camera, an IR radiometer, a UV spectrometer, a mass spectrometer, a Sisyphus dust detector, devices for the measurement of the EM field, and instruments for the determination of plasma characteristics. It is pointed out that solar electric propulsion affords the only practical, currently available means of reaching Encke with the desired encounter velocity below 7.5 km/sec.