More Details On:
The Clementine mission had two key objectives, the first of which demonstrated the advanced lightweight BMDO components technology. These components included LLNL's advanced lightweight sensors, two Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) weighing less than one kilogram each, reaction wheel assemblies, GaAs/Ge solar arrays, NiH2 Common Pressure Vessel (CPV) battery, advanced release mechanisms, composite structures, and a high performance 32-bit Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) microprocessor. Clementine used the spacecraft's ISA and the Moon as targets to test the detection and acquisition capabilities of the sensors at realistic closing velocities while evaluating the effects of long-term exposure to a deep space environment. The mission planned to use the near-earth asteroid Geographos as a target; however, a software malfunction occurring after the lunar encounter precluded the asteroid encounter. The second key objective of the Clementine mission was to use the BMDO technology demonstration as an opportunity to collect data of interest to the international civilian scientific sector. This dual use of DoD technology allowed mission testing in conjunction with the acquisition of useful scientific data. It introduced other Government agencies and industry to DoD's latest advances in miniaturization and weight reduction. While fulfilling its two major objectives, the Clementine mission demonstrated the benefits of a streamlined management approach. The mission moved from conceptual design through launch and mission operations in less than two years at a cost of less than $80 million, which is significantly lower than other recent deep space missions.
Homepage || Background || Mission || Spacecraft || Sensors || Data || Images || Participating Organizations || Publications || Related Links || Search this Site
webmaster@pxi.com