Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences

The Korean Space Science Society (한국우주과학회)
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Lessons Learned from Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter Flight Dynamics Operations: NASA Deep Space Network Interfaces and Support Levels

  • Young-Joo Song (Lunar Exploration Program Office, Korea Aerospace Research Institute) ;
  • SeungBum Hong (Lunar Exploration Program Office, Korea Aerospace Research Institute) ;
  • Dong-Gyu Kim (Lunar Exploration Program Office, Korea Aerospace Research Institute) ;
  • Jun Bang (Lunar Exploration Program Office, Korea Aerospace Research Institute) ;
  • Jonghee Bae (Lunar Exploration Program Office, Korea Aerospace Research Institute)
  • Received : 2023.04.07
  • Accepted : 2023.04.25
  • Published : 2023.06.15
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Abstract

On Aug. 4, 2022, at 23:08:48 (UTC), the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO), also known as Danuri, was launched using a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Currently, KPLO is successfully conducting its science mission around the Moon. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Deep Space Network (DSN) was utilized for the successful flight operation of KPLO. A great deal of joint effort was made between the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and NASA DSN team since the beginning of KPLO ground system design for the success of the mission. The efficient utilization and management of NASA DSN in deep space exploration are critical not only for the spacecraft's telemetry and command but also for tracking the flight dynamics (FD) operation. In this work, the top-level DSN interface architecture, detailed workflows, DSN support levels, and practical lessons learned from the joint team's efforts are presented for KPLO's successful FD operation. Due to the significant joint team's efforts, KPLO is currently performing its mission smoothly in the lunar mission orbit. Through KPLO cooperative operation experience with DSN, a more reliable and efficient partnership is expected not only for Korea's own deep space exploration mission but also for the KARI-NASA DSN joint support on other deep space missions in the future.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) through project No. FR23L01. Song YJ took the lead in designing the DSN interface for flight dynamics operation and writing the manuscript. Hong SB took the lead in handling most of the interface tests data as well as tests with DSN. Authors would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Deep Space Network (DSN) team, especially Sandy W. Kwan, Sami Asmar, Timothy Pham, Jay Adams, Jeanne Makihara, Kade Peich, Rylee Mitchell, and finally, Bryan Snook from NASA Johnsons Space Center (JSC), for their invaluable contributions to the overall success of the KPLO project. We would like to extend our gratitude to all of our colleagues at KARI and NASA for their tireless efforts and support throughout this endeavor.

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