NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #31/NN_1992_31.iso/spool/sci/astro/13392

Internet Message Format | 1992-12-23 | 1.2 KB

Xref: sparky sci.astro:13392 sci.space:18134
Newsgroups: sci.astro,sci.space
Path: sparky!uunet!psinntp!bnlux1.bnl.gov!gown.das.bnl.gov!wagener
From: [e-mail] (Richard Wagener)
Subject: Giotto Sample Return ?
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail] (Usenet news)
Organization: Brookhaven National Laboratory
Date: Wed, 23 Dec 1992 19:47:09 GMT
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From Eos 73, 1992 August 18 p. 347:

... Its [Giotto's] orbit brings it to within 210000 km of Earth on
July 1, 1999.  Although the spacecraft still has some fuel left, ESA
has no plans for more Giotto missions. - Stephen Cole

My question(s):

Is there enough fuel to change the orbit for a closer encounter
with Earth?  Could it be aerobrake'd into a stable orbit from which it
could be captured and returned by the shuttle?
Would the returned probe contain scientifically useful cometary
samples?

I would think that an aerobrake attempt should be made if it's
possible, the worst that could happen is an early fireworks display
for independence day (U.S.) ;-)
--
[nosave]
Tschuess ...rick...
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Richard Wagener                |