Propulsion - Probe Deployment

 

  • Anticipate landing on equator of Venus.

  • Probe uses on board accelerometer to determine its orientation on the planet. Can adjust dish with actuator assemblies.

  • Probe is equipped with a dipole antenna which will broadcast upon landing. This antenna is placed on the side of the probe yielding a peak vertical gain.

  • The orbiter looks for this signal and is able to determine the rough location of the probe.

  • Further synchronization using the dish antennas is used.

  • It may take several passes for the satellite to find the probe.

  • Orbiter can use on board fuel to change the inclination of the orbit so as to pass overhead of the probe.

  • Once the probe is found the mission can begin and the drill is deployed.