MESSENGER Geology Discipline Group31 July 2004 (agenda topics per Jim Head)

a) lunar calibration issues and sequence. L. Prockter will describe Aug. 1; vital opportunity for MDIS; power?

b) coordination of MDIS observations with VIRS. Vital synergy; discussions Aug. 1 and during future telecon

c) coordination of science analysis with other instruments. Understanding surface composition requires advanced coordination MDIS, VIRS, GRNS, XRS

d) Venus flyby science. 1st flyby is near solar conjunction so only MDIS can work (flat-field, no

science) Little understanding so far about 2nd flyby, but lots of time to plan

Clark R. Chapman, 1 Aug. 2004 -- 1

MESSENGER Geology Discipline Group Report (1 Aug. 2004), continued

e) Mercury encounter planning, coordination and analysis. Strawman encounter sequences already exist Science input for optimization desired ~1 year before encounter

f) Mercury orbit planning, coordination and analysis. Farther downstream

g) preparatory science analyses. Science team should spend time working with calibration data Researchers should re-familiarize themselves with Mariner 10 data

and topical Mercury science issues

h) science topics for future GDG telecons. Leftover topics from last (cancelled) telecon

Clark R. Chapman, 1 Aug. 2004 -- 2