Mars Gravity Biosatellite: Engineering, Science, and Education

Paper number

IAC-07-A1.9.-A2.7.05

Author

Ms. Ashley Korzun, Georgia Institute of Technology, United States

Coauthor

Mrs. Erika Wagner, United States

Coauthor

Ms. Elizabeth Deems, Massachussets Institute of Technology (MIT), United States

Coauthor

Dr. Robert D. Braun, Georgia Institute of Technology, United States

Year

2007

Abstract

In January 2004, the Vision for Space Exploration mandated the United States develop a sustained human presence on the moon and then send humans onto Mars by 2030.  Physiological problems intrinsic to prolonged stays in microgravity have long been concerns of manned spaceflight and will continue to be a significant obstacle in achieving the goals outlined in the Vision for Space Exploration.  While the effects of microgravity on mammalian physiology have been researched extensively, the nature of gravity-dependency between microgravity and one-g remains unknown.  Such information is necessary to develop mitigation strategies for partial gravity environments as well as to maximize the benefit of lunar missions in preparation for human exploration of Mars.  With the cancellation of the Centrifuge Accommodation Module (CAM) from the International Space Station, alternative means of obtaining physiological data in a partial gravity environment must be considered. 

The Mars Gravity Biosatellite (MGB) is a novel program aimed at providing such data on the effects of partial gravity on mammalian physiology.  This student-developed free-flyer spacecraft is designed to carry a payload of 15 mice into low earth orbit, rotating to generate accelerations equivalent to Martian gravity.  After 35 days, the payload will re-enter the atmosphere and be recovered for study.  Data collected during the mission and post-recovery will uniquely characterize the physiological changes incurred under partial gravity conditions and validate the student-developed models used in designing the satellite.  Having engaged more than 500 students to date in space life science, systems engineering, and hardware development, MGB offers a unique, interdisciplinary educational opportunity.

In the past year, MGB collaborators at MIT and Georgia Tech have undertaken a successful mission validation, with the bus and entry, descent, and landing systems undergoing significant design changes.  Additionally, the student teams are nearing completion of the preliminary design phase for the entire satellite, laying the groundwork for future projects emphasizing science and collaborative education.  This paper presents the student-developed preliminary design for MGB, including the redesign of the spacecraft bus, and entry, descent, and landing systems.  By providing groundbreaking flight data on the effects of partial gravity on mammalian physiology, the Mars Gravity Biosatellite program is working to enable successful human exploration of the moon and Mars while training and inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers.

Abstract document

IAC-07-A1.9.-A2.7.05.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-A1.9.-A2.7.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.