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Home , Dawn (spacecraft), Jake Matijevic (rock), Magellan (spacecraft), Mars program

Jet OCTOber Propulsion 2012 Laboratory volume 42

number 10

Dawn ready to explore a second new world By Mark Whalen After 13 months at , is on its way toward

This mosaic synthesizes some of ’s best views of the giant asteroid Vesta. The towering mountain at the pole—more than twice the height of Mount Everest—is visible at the bottom of the image. The set of three craters known as the “snowman” can be seen at the top left.

The Dawn spacecraft’s past year of observing Vesta has polar region due to large impacts, was a exciting (U.S. and Europe) are actively working on the mission. returned memorable views of a rocky, pitted landscape surprise. At Vesta, the team was prepared to deal with prob- that scientists say resembles a small more than a “It certainly exceeded my expectations,” she added. lems, said Rayman. “We had glitches, anomalies, a few typical asteroid. “The remarkable thing is that although we hadn’t visited, safing events; it wasn’t all perfect. The rapidity with Dawn has begun a two-and-a-half-year cruise to proto- we knew a lot about Vesta before we got there. But that which the team overcame every obstacle really im- planet Ceres. That body will undergo six months of obser- still didn’t conjure up the kind of fantastic complexity of pressed me. It is thanks to them that the exploration of vation once Dawn arrives in February 2015. compositional diversity, of geological processing and the Vesta was so extraordinarily productive.” Not only is Dawn the first spacecraft to orbit an object landforms that we found.” Rayman noted that one of Dawn’s four reaction in the , it’s the only one ever to plan to Indeed, Dawn exposed extreme topography, the sec- wheels developed increased friction during Dawn’s orbit two different destinations. ond tallest mountain now known in the , a spiral departure from Vesta. Another wheel had experi- “We exceeded our objectives in every area,” said Mis- 500-kilometer-wide impact basin that’s close to the diam- enced a similar condition in 2010. The operations team sion Manager Marc Rayman. “Things not only went better eter of Vesta, and a vast system of equatorial troughs. is now planning for Ceres using an than expected, they were even better than I had hoped.” What can top this? To do it all again—this time at a mode with two reaction wheels plus the reac- At launch in 2007, plans called for Dawn to spend sev- new target. tion control system. Software for this capability was en or eight months at Vesta. However, about two years On to Ceres. Project Manager Bob Mase noted the new installed in the main flight computer in 2011 before into the cruise phase, the team determined that more set of challenges for the team as Dawn travels to a sec- Vesta operations began. power could be devoted to Dawn’s ion propulsion system, ond unseen world. Mase praised the efforts of Dawn’s small flight team, and hence greater thrust. This allowed the spacecraft to “We are already beginning to plan the types of opera- about 45 in all at JPL working on the Discovery Pro- be able to spend a full year there. tions strategies that we want to employ for the Ceres gram mission. “We were under tremendous time pres- “All of that extra time was exceedingly productive,” campaign,” Mase said, adding that it might take sure at Vesta to complete all of the ambitious science said Rayman. “We were taking additional data with all almost a year to finalize high-level architecture and plans on a schedule that would allow us to maintain instruments in all investigations, adding to what was details. our arrival date at Ceres,” he said. “I am very proud already a fabulous bounty.” “One obvious benefit we’ll have at Ceres is the very of this team, which quietly performed an amazing job, NASA earlier this year approved an additional 40 days successful experience at Vesta,” Rayman noted. “It’s successfully executing the plan, one intense activ- for Dawn at Vesta, making the total stay about 13 months going to be a lot easier getting ready for Ceres, knowing ity after another, for more than a year. As a team, we while still allowing the mission to keep its appointment what worked well and not so well at Vesta. There’s noth- accomplished a truly staggering engineering feat, suc- with Ceres in 2015. ing like real experience; it’s the best educator.” cessfully achieving all that we set out to do, and bring- Carol Raymond, Dawn’s deputy principal investigator, The Dawn science team will remain quite busy during ing home more science data and discoveries than we expected a fairly generic, regolith-covered body when the the cruise to Ceres, according to Raymond. “We will be imagined.” spacecraft was making its way to Vesta. “I didn’t want to looking at Vesta data for most of the year,” she said. Raymond extolled another virtue of the benefits of ion get my hopes up that there would be fantastically inter- “We saw a lot of things on Vesta that we didn’t expect, propulsion. esting things to see,” she said. But as Dawn got nearer, so I’m expecting the unexpected at Ceres,” she added. “Personally it’s wonderful to not have to go through her outlook changed noticeably. The Dawn science team comprises 22 co-investigators the ordeal of getting a spacecraft ready to launch from “When we first saw Vesta, it was very startling, even and an additional 21 participating scientists (18 from the and do another mission,” she said. “Here we are, upon approach,” Raymond said. “To see the brightness U.S.) who joined the mission for Vesta only. An announce- just turning the engine on, spiraling up and cruising to contrasts—indicating strong variation in the material ment of is soon coming out for a new group our next destination. It’s really nice. properties of the surface—then to see the very large- of participating scientists for the Ceres portion of the “I hope that this mode of exploration can be used a scale tectonic features and the complexity of the south mission. Also, Raymond added, about 45 associates lot more in the future.” 2 Study sees asteroid lasso this decade By Susan Braunheim

niverse to pursue it even though it could easily oid in high lunar orbit would in fact pro- U appear to many to be a wacky concept. vide a unique, meaningful destination for His encouragement was invaluable,” said crews in the next decade. Brophy. Alkalai is JPL’s deputy program “The participants in the study were manager for the Mission Formulation initially enthusiastic but highly skeptical Office, Solar System Exploration Director- that an and return mis- ate. sion could be feasible in the near future,” In order to determine if the mission was Brophy said. “At the end of the study the possible, the study identified three key participants were still enthusiastic and enabling conditions. thanks to their own expertise in identify- First, multiple near-Earth ing and addressing issues they are now with the correct characteristics would cautiously optimistic.” have to be discovered and characterized. Such a mission could also have a signif- Attractive candidate asteroids needed to icant bearing on planetary defense activi- be rich in water, small enough (about ties, such as moving an asteroid or other 7 meters in diameter), and with the right body headed toward Earth in the future, orbital characteristics to transport. As- as well as other asteroid science. teroid 2008HU4, believed to be about the The study also identified that an - right size with the right orbital character- oid retrieval mission could represent the istics, was used in the study for proof-of- start of a new synergy between robotic concept trajectory analysis. and human missions. A 500-ton asteroid Second, the study team determined may eventually be able to produce 100

Image courtesy of Rick Sternbach / Keck Institute for Space Studies that a sufficiently powerful solar electric tons of water that could be used for ra- propulsion system would be capable of diation shielding, rocket fuel, oxygen or Imagine this mission of the future: and Fred Culick of rendezvousing with and transporting the drinking water, all essential for farther A travels to a near- Caltech—for the six-month study con- near-Earth asteroid in a reasonable flight space travel. Earth asteroid and uses a high-power ducted between September 2011 and time from a single launch. A solar electric “It could be the key to jump-starting ion propulsion system to tow it into orbit February 2012. propulsion system similar to, but larger, an entire industry based on the use of around Earth’s . Crews travel out “The idea to exploit the resources of than the one used on the Dawn spacecraft extraterrestrial resources to further hu- to the massive rock on a regular basis asteroids is not a new one,” Brophy said. would be required. man , an idea that ev- to study, analyze and dissect it in order “But what is new is the emerging recog- The final key in the development is the eryone knows will eventually be needed to determine how to extract its valuable nition that for the first time in history planned capability for human explora- but one that is exceptionally difficult to resources. it could be done with technologies that tion in cislunar space, the space between get started,” Brophy said. “So far, the only Sound crazy? Not to a group of scien- could be made available in this decade.” Earth and the moon. Humans would extraterrestrial resources that we exploit tists organized by campus’ Keck Institute An earlier NASA study, also led by be needed to examine, sample, dissect on a regular basis are solar power, star- for Space Studies. Brophy, suggested that an asteroid cap- and ultimately learn how to extract the light for navigation, and an occasional John Brophy, a JPL principal engi- ture and return project could be done. desired materials from the retrieved as- . But solar power harnessed neer specializing in electric propul- “Leon Alkalai recognized the value in this teroid in a microgravity environment. The through solar electric propulsion may be sion technology, was a Keck Institute concept and encouraged me to continue Keck study team concluded that placing a the key to unlocking vast material re- co-lead—along with of 7-meter diameter, 500-metric-ton aster- sources in space.” Infographics: From data into art

JPL Infographics, a new website and can then be uploaded, reviewed by JPL resource database, is asking the public experts and shared in a public gallery to take on a visual challenge by trans- on the JPL website. Users can sign in on forming NASA data into scientific works Facebook and begin sharing creations of art to uncover new ways of explaining there also. and understanding space exploration. “An infographic is essentially artwork Information graphics, or infographics, for your brain,” noted Jon Nelson, man- are graphic visual representations of ager of JPL’s Online Publishing Group information, data or knowledge. These (1811). “It’s a way of taking numbers, graphics present complex information spreadsheets and all kinds of other tech- quickly and clearly. nical data and turning it into a one-page, The site, http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/ easily digestible fun-to-look-at graphic.” infographics, provides extensive col- Infographics’ combination of science lections of NASA science and mission data and design may also bring in a new data, graphics and space images that audience and inspire those who have seen users can download to create their own the data before to it in a new infographics. These creative illustrations light. 3 By Mark New life for former reconnaissance satellites? Whalen

JPL is studying refurbishment of telescopes for science missions niverse U

Two space-based telescopes originally WFIRST in the astrophysics decadal. One examine the larger telescope’s capability the telescopes will likely orbit a position designed for intelligence missions on focus of the new NASA science defini- to achieve the WFIRST scientific goals, such as the Lagrange 2 point, or take up behalf of the National Reconnaissance tion team will be inclusion of an option she said. a heliocentric or geocentric orbit to fa- Office have recently been made available for a coronagraph as part of the science The JPL/Goddard team will begin in cilitate servicing. “That will feed directly to NASA. One of these may find a new instrument suite; the feasibility of such earnest in October with the inspection into the instrument providers’ assess- career chasing dark matter and hunting an instrument would be studied by JPL of telescope hardware and supporting ments of what their instruments are exoplanets for NASA’s Science Mission specifically to detect and characterize components. “We’re going to be assessing going to be able to do, and the science Directorate under the guidance of JPL exoplanets. what we have to start with as we import team’s assessments of the science they engineers and scientists. A second NASA study will work technical data from ITT/Exelis,” said can accomplish,” she said. The two telescopes—each 94 inches much more broadly across applica- Dooley. The completed study will provide “There has been a lot of interest in in diameter, the same size as the Hubble tions throughout the agency, including a concept description followed by an seeing something the nation has invested but using more advanced heliophysics, , or as- independent cost review that NASA will in being put to good use by returning materials and optics—were declared ex- trophysical missions not prioritized in integrate into its budget planning. exciting science, especially if we can get cess to NRO needs and ultimately trans- the decadal. Applications in technology The telescopes were designed to look something launched before the middle of ferred to NASA. “These optical systems development and validation will also be down at Earth rather than out into space. the next decade,” Dooley added. offer a much wider field-of-view design in scope, as will the potential role of “We’ll be looking at optical design revi- “We’d love to see a concept that does and, therefore, some capabilities that far existing capabilities sions, accommodation of the concept great science, that’s affordable, and could exceed those of Hubble,” said Richard (e.g., the International Space Station) instruments, and assessments of how the get started quickly—much sooner than Capps of JPL’s Exoplanet Exploration and future systems like the Space Launch wavefront of the telescope and the beam what’s on the current books,” she said. Program Office. System and the Multi-Purpose quality change at different temperatures,” “We want to pull together a viable, attrac- A preliminary NASA multi-center study Crew Vehicle. “Some have suggested said Dooley. “We’ll also provide a thermal tive concept that would figure into NASA’s led by JPL ensured the assets have potentially sending the second telescope design that’s appropriate for the environ- future planning and priorities. And we’d substantial value to future science. This to orbit or to other to do ment.” Instead of orbiting Earth, she said, love to be a part of that implementation.” effort focused on the science identified mapping—it’s really wide open,” noted in the most recent astrophysics decadal Jennifer Dooley, supervisor of JPL’s Pay- survey carried out by the National Acad- loads and Observing Systems Engineer- The first study will examine emy of Sciences and provided a necessary ing Group. “sanity check” about the performance The telescope equipment transferred the feasibility of using one and potential costs related to one design to NASA includes the primary and sec- telescope for a mission solution. ondary mirror and structure plus some combining investigations of During the next six months, NASA will supporting hardware and spare parts. exoplanets, dark energy, and initiate two studies supported by JPL and The telescopes are currently in storage at near- surveys. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center to ITT/Excelis, in Rochester, NY. The com- look in more detail at potential uses for pany built the hardware between the late A second NASA study will these two telescopes. 1990s and early 2000s. work much more broadly The first study will examine the feasibil- Dooley is gathering the JPL engineers across applications ity of using one telescope for a mission who will be working with the existing throughout the agency. combining investigations of exoplanets, Goddard WFIRST study team. Goddard dark energy and near-infrared surveys—in supported earlier studies of WFIRST the process achieving the highest-priority design reference missions with JPL recommendations of the decadal sur- engineering support for smaller, cost- The 2.4-meter space telescope form (rigjht), for which vey. This mission concept is called the constrained telescope concepts. The new about 5.8 cubic meters volume is available for instruments, Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope, or team will use this engineering base to sensors and electronics. Mass is 840 kilograms. 4 Shuttle flies over Lab News As part of its tour of California landmarks to niverse

U end its flight career, Endeavour roared Briefs overhead JPL atop a NASA 747 aircraft on Sept. 21 at about 12:10 p.m. The four-hour, 34-min- Bock Brophy Redding ute flight began at NASA’s Four named JPL Fellows position in the field of advanced propul- Dryden Flight Research Four JPL researchers have been sion engineering. Center at Edwards Air named JPL fellows, the highest level on Robert Green: For outstanding lead- Force Base, and over the ensuing hours the pair the Laboratory’s individual contributor ership and seminal contributions to the made low-level flybys over career ladder. Those chosen for 2012: field of imaging spectroscopy, pioneer- scores of California cit- James Bock: For extraordinary ing the characterization of spectral ies and landmarks, many leadership in the development of highly performance and instrument application of which had direct ties sensitive cryogenic detectors and ar- to address many Earth and planetary to NASA’s space shuttle science problems, and for championing rays for long-wavelength astronomy and program over the past 40 this field for current and future NASA studies of the cosmic back- years, including Vandenberg missions. ground, thereby positioning Caltech-JPL Air Force Base on the Cali- David Redding: For exceptional lead- at the forefront of ground-breaking fornia coast, before enter- scientific missions and exciting discov- ership in the development and applica- ing the Los Angeles area. eries in cosmology and extragalactic tion of wavefront sensing and control The shuttle is now at astrophysics. systems, a critical technology for large Los Angeles International John Brophy: For outstanding leader- optical systems integral to both NASA Airport preparing for a ship and overall systems engineering in and non-NASA work. journey through city streets the theoretical research, technological JPL fellows are sought out for advice Oct. 12–13 to its new home development and mission infusion of on strategic technical decisions and at the California Science various electric propulsion solutions, contribute to establishing the course Center in Los Angeles for for JPL’s future. permanent display. thereby reaffirming JPL’s leadership Photo by Kim Johansen-McCurdy

Distaso is survived by his wife, Pam Former JPLer John W. Gustafson, Medal (1998), Aviation Week & Space (5X); brothers Stephen and Michael; 81, died Aug. 16. Technology magazine Laureates Hall P assings twin sons Chris and Greg; and five Gustafson worked in the Space Flight of Fame (1999), NASA Exceptional grandchildren. Burial was in Riverside Operations Section. Funeral services Achievement Medal (2006), and as a National Cemetery. were held at Central Filipino Adventist part of the Church in Eagle Rock. Operations Team, the International Space Ops Award for Outstanding Irving Jacob “Jake” Matijevic, 64, a Achievement (2010). Webb principal engineer and key figure in A memorial mass was held Sept. 1 vehicle design, development in Chicago. Memorial gifts may be and operation, died Aug. 20. made to the Mount Carmel High George Matijevic, with JPL since 1981, was School Educational Foundation, 6410 Courville manager of microrover development for S. Dante Ave., Chicago, IL 60637. the in 1995–96. Recog- nized for both his technical expertise and leadership qualities, he contributed Irving Webb, 75, a retired electrical to the , Mars Explora- engineer, died April 11. tion Rovers and Mars Science Labora- Jacob Webb joined the Lab in 1971 and tory missions. His last assignment was Matijevic retired in 2001. He served as ground as surface operations systems chief READ AND SUBMIT CLASSIFIED ADS operations manager for the engineer for , AT JPL’s online news source mission, and also contributed to Viking, George Courville, 86, a retired which honored his memory by naming http://jplspace Voyagers 1 and 2, and . propulsion engineer, died Aug. 7. the first rock touched by the Webb is survived by his wife, Gladys, Courville joined the Lab in 1956. He rover’s arm after him. E-mail us at son James, daughter Sabrina, seven was a member of the Flight Systems Among his honors, Matijevic earned universe@jpl..gov grandchildren and a great-grandson. Development Group in the Propulsion the NASA Outstanding Leadership Burial took place April 18 in the veter- Systems Section, responsible for devel- ans’ section of Eternal Valley Memorial oping nozzles to provide thrust to guide Park in Santa Clarita. spacecraft to their targets. Courville we will always hold, with great af- contributed to the Ranger, , fection, the countless prayers, good Viking, Voyager and Galileo missions. L etters wishes and memories that so many of He retired in 1986 as chief attitude con- Editor you shared with us during this time trol engineer. Mark Whalen Thank you to my JPL friends and of transition. My father had such high Courville is survived by his wife, Dar- colleagues for your support and kind regard for the many friendships he Pete lene, son George Jr., daughter Lane and words during my husband’s long illness made throughout his years at JPL and Design Distaso many grandchildren. Services were held and subsequent passing. Your support he took great pride in the work that Audrey Steffan Aug. 10 in Lakes, Ariz. is helping me work through difficult his JPL family accomplished. It has times, and is much appreciated. Thanks given his family great solace knowing Production Robert Mayne, retired supervisor also to JPL for the beautiful plant that that the affection was reciprocated. David Hinkle of the Advanced Technology Electronic was sent in Pete’s memory. Thank you. Packaging Group, died Aug. 7. Pam Distaso Frances Colella Mayne joined the Lab in 1963. Prior Photography to becoming a group supervisor, he was On behalf of my mother, Sally Colella, JPL Photo Lab Pete Distaso, 66, died June 23. an electronic packaging engineer in the and my family, please accept our sin- , and later performed cerest thanks for the many words of etirees Universe is published by the Office An electrician in the Space Flight Op- R erations Facility facilities maintenance development work for Voyager 71 and comfort and condolences shared with of Communications and Education and operations, he supported projects future spacecraft. He retired in 1997. us on the passing of my father, Frank. The following employee retired in of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in Buildings 230 and 264 from 1986 Mayne is survived by his wife, Ange The outpouring of sympathy we have September: Laverne Hall, 20 years, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, until 1994. Maya Guangzhou. received has meant so much to us and Section 388. Pasadena, CA 91109.