EXOMARS Descent Module
- Paper number
IAC-06-A3.3.06
- Author
Dr Maurizio Capuano, Alenia Spazio, Italy
- Coauthor
Mr. Vincenzo Giorgio, Thales Alenia Space, Italy
- Year
2006
- Abstract
M. Capuano(1), S.Portigliotti(2), G. Gianfiglio (ESA ESTEC)
Alcatel Alenia Space- Italia - Turin Plant
Strada antica di Collegno 253 - 10146 Torino - Italy
(1)Tel. +39-011-7180-028; Fax: +39-011-7180-936;
e-mail maurizio.capuano@alcatelaleniaspace.com
(2)Tel. +39-011-7180-322; Fax: +39-011-7180-998;
e-mail stefano.portigliotti@alcatelaleniaspace.com
The main purpose of the ExoMars mission is to establish whether life ever existed or still exists on Mars. It will search for traces of past and present life, characterize the Mars geochemistry and water distribution, improve the knowledge of the Mars environment and geophysics, and identify possible surface hazards to future human exploration missions. ExoMars will also validate the technology for safe Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) of a large size spacecraft on Mars, the surface mobility and the access to subsurface.
The Descent Module is the system element of Exomars aiming to the safe delivery to Martian surface of the mobility spacecraft, the Rover, hosting the scientific equipment for the search for traces of past and present life, characterize the Mars geochemistry and water distribution, and the Geophysical Environmental Package, to improve the knowledge of Mars environment. The Descent Module is essentially a blunt-shape re-entry capsule mounted on the upper side of the Carrier Module. The DM is attached to the Carrier along all mission phases until approaching Mars where it is released with a trajectory able to allow its landing on Mars surface in the daylight and at the selected landing site.
Once landing is completed and the operations to independently allow both the ejection of the GEP and the egress of the Rover are successfully performed, the DM functions are nominally completed and its operating life is ended.
The Descent Module includes
- Entry Descent Landing elements:
- Heat Shield (Front Shield and Back Shield)
- Parachute Assembly
- Airbags Assembly
- Retrorockets
- Support& Egress Structure
- Back Shell Structure
- Electrical & Power Equipment
- Avionics Equipment
- Radiofrequency Equipment
- Thermal Control Items
- Bio-shielding
Although physically accommodated inside the Descent Module, the GEP and the Rover are entities with their own design and development flow.
The DM architecture related to specific Exomars mission presents a number of unique technological and programmatic challenges to the European space community.
- Implementation of reliable entry, descent and landing approach for an hyperbolic entry with steep entry angles and challenging range accuracy by relying on low altitude inflation of supersonic parachutes and implementation of either non-vented or vented airbag technology.
- Implementation of suitable planetary protection means to achieve the sterility level required for special landing regions on Mars.
The DM design is presently undergoing its B1 phase: Alcatel Alenia Space-Italy is the Prime Contractor.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-A3.3.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.