Integration of Spacecraft Telemetry into Navigation Operations for the Cassini-Huygens Mission

The Cassini orbiter is the largest and most complex interplanetary spacecraft ever built. Since attaining orbit around Saturn in the summer of 2004, Cassini, along with its Huygens probe, have been continually improving our understanding Saturn, its satellites, its enigmatic rings system, and of the solar system. One of the hallmarks of the Cassini- Huygens Project is the close working relationship between the many teams required to operate such a sophisticated spacecraft. Their ingenuity has enabled them to find new and different ways to improve their processes during Cassini's prime 4-year orbital tour. This paper will discuss the relationship between Cassini's Navigation and Spacecraft Teams and the work required to properly configure Cassini's telemetry system for Navigation. A detailed explanation of how the Navigation Team utilizes spacecraft telemetry and analysis demonstrating the benefits will also be provided. Finally, telemetry requirements for Navigation for future missions will be addressed