Concepts for Aerostatic Planetary Exploration

Paper number

IAC-06-A3.4.05

Author

Dr. Jesus Gonzalo, Aeronautical School of University of León, Spain

Coauthor

Mr. Jose Antonio Rodriguez Manfredi, Centro de Astrobiologia (INTA), Spain

Coauthor

Dr. Javier Gomez-Elvira, Centro de Astrobiologia (INTA), Spain

Coauthor

Mr. Isaac Domínguez Santos, Spain

Year

2006

Abstract

For a long time, balloons have been used on Earth for atmospheric research and as mere aerial surveillance tool. A large effort has been done in the last years to develop new technologies, which opens the door to altitude and duration records. When speed is not a driving requirement, autonomous lighter-than-air vehicles such as dirigibles and blimps are affordable observation platforms.

Pioneer examples as Russian missions to Venus in 1984, with great success of deployed balloons had to wait to the new century to see how new research groups around the world recover the enthusiasm of exploration through aerostatic platforms, encourage by the development of critical technologies; new inflatable structures and modern gas storage and phase-transformation systems make feasible the planetary exploration of bodies with atmosphere, being Mars, Venus, Titan and Saturn the main targets.

Satellites, rovers, submarines and balloons/aerobots build up the next generation of planetary exploration fleet. Whilst submarines for underwater exploration, like Europe, are irreplaceable, rovers are appropriate for detailed surface analysis. On the other hand, satellites have large coverage for non-intrusive observation. The role of ballons/aerobots is in between: moderate ground coverage, better resolution, capability of atmospheric sounding, soft landing and long endurance; all at the price of being within a dense enough atmosphere. C02 Venus and Mars atmospheres and N2 Titan are best candidates.

The paper discuses the status of the art of involved technologies and proposes solutions for the main technological and economical drivers, taking the exploration of Mars as first priority. Trade-off’s and conceptual definitions for transportation, deployment, gas generation and/or release, materials, aerodynamics, propulsion, payloads and operational scenarios are given. The results of validation campaigns using a 20-m long model in Earth atmosphere under real and simulated conditions are presented and compared to the ones expected in Mars.

Abstract document

IAC-06-A3.4.05.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-A3.4.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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