The lunar prospector mission: results of trajectory design, quasi-frozen orbits, extended mission trageting, and lunar topography and potential models

摘要

Lunar Prospector was selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NSA) as one of the first discovery missions to conduct solar system exploration science investigations. The missionwas NASA's first lunar voyage to investigate key science objectives since Apollo and was launched in January 1998. In keeping with discovery pogram requirements to reduce total mission cost and utilize new technology, Lunar Prospector's mission design and control focused proven trajectory analysis tools along with the latest luna topology and gravity data available. As part of this effort, the Goddard Space Flight center and the Ames Research Center became partners in the Lunar Prospector navigation team to provide the trajectory analysis and orbit determination support.