Saturn Escape Options for Cassini Encore Missions

摘要

Using gravity assists from Titan, the Cassini spacecraft can be targeted to impact the atmosphere of Jupiter, Uranus, or Neptune in order to terminate the mission. However, a gravity assist at Jupiter—to reach other gas giants or to escape the solar system—provides an alternative to Jupiter impact if the spacecraft is still operable. As an encore mission, we also investigate opportunities for targeted flybys of Centaurs during the interplanetary transfer.