TRAJECTORY DESIGN OPERATIONS FOR THE IBEX MISSION

The Interstellar Boundary Explorer mission was successfully launched on October 19th, 2008. The authors present the techniques used in operations to plan the trajectory ascent accounting for launch and maneuver dispersions. The authors give the results of maneuver planning and calibration, and reconstruction of the launch and solid rocket motor firing. The models and algorithms used to plan the multiple-maneuver phasing loop ascent are described, as well as details of how the final mission orbit was achieved. The authors present how Monte Carlo analysis was used in operations to ensure that the science objectives would be met over the two-year mission lifetime.