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Near-Earth-Object Rendezvous SGM

Here is a concept for a Space Physics Fields and Particles Second-Generation Microspacecraft. The spacecraft will autonomously provide magnetic, plasma, and plasma wave analysis of the environment for spacecraft solar ranges of 0.5 to 1.2 Astronomical Units (AU) and Earth ranges up to 1.7 AU. The spacecraft also retains imaging and imaging spectroscopy capabilities. This particular spacecraft is designed to be capable of four different mission classes without change in hardware. These mission classes include enhanced near-Earth-object flyby, multipoint magnetospheric measurement in Earth orbit, solar warning from the L1 point, and solar early warning precursor missions at 0.5 AU solar range. Estimated spacecraft wet mass, launch configuration size, and load power are, respectively, 12 kg, 65-cm diameter x 30-cm, and 7 to 19 W - depending on operating state.

Developed in 1993-1995, a vision, approach, and example system concepts for Second-Generation Microspacecraft (SGM) have the intent of helping enable NASA's paradigm shift to less expensive, better, faster missions. Envisioned is a future in which a significant number of missions can be carried out with SGM that have low life-cycle cost, provide high return on investment, allow frequent flight, and contribute to innovation in technology. Key elements of the approach to realizing this vision include reducing spacecraft resource requirements and complexity, minimizing spacecraft size and mass, using production "core" building blocks and extensive spacecraft autonomy, and eliminating non-cost-effective redundancy.

The first element of the approach also implies targeting appropriate, focused missions and payloads, using on-board analysis and data compression, minimizing spacecraft power needs, and using low-nuclear or, preferably, non-nuclear energy sources. Example spacecraft system concepts that are consistent with the approach include the Outer Solar System Flyby SGM, Near-Earth-Object Flyby SGM, Near- Earth-Object Rendezvous SGM, and Space Physics Fields and Particles SGM.