1.0 Mission Statement

This design deals with the insertion of three probes into the atmosphere of Neptune and the subsequent transmission of scientific data back to Earth. The design consists of two major sections; the link between the probes and a relay satellite and the link between this relay and Earth. Each link will need hardware to create the electromagnetic carrier along with the radiating elements that will ensure its transmission.
The probes will descend to 420km below the surface of Neptune over a 50 hour period. A probe will be placed at the equator, along the 45 degree latitude line, and along the -45 degree latitude line. The probes will line up along the same longitude line to allow the relay satellite to have the best possible reception as it orbits Neptune in a geostationary pattern.

1.1 Common Values

Common and Project Specific Values

The following is a list of common values used throughout the project. If a value is used and the numerical value is not know then this list will most likely contain the numerical information desired.

Kepler's Constant:

Boltzmann's Constant:

Speed of Light Constant:

A list of project specific values can be obtained from the original mission statement at http://www.propagation.gatech.edu/ECE6390/project/Fall2004/ClassProject.pdf . Some of the values that are used throughout the design follow:

Time to descend through Neptune atmosphere:

Depth descended into Neptune atmosphere:

Single probe data transmission rate:

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