The Road to an International Architecture for Mars Sample Return The iMARS Team view

Paper number

IAC-08.A3.1.3

Author

Dr. Denis J.P. Moura, CNES / ASI, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. James F. Jordan, Jet Propulsion Laboratory / CalTech, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Alain Pradier, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Andrea Santovincenzo, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Richard Mattingly, NASA/JPL, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Michael Khan, European Space Agency (ESA), Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Bruno Gardini, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Doug Mc Cuistion, NASA, United States

Coauthor

Mrs. Lisa May, NASA, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Stu Kerridge, JPL, United States

Year

2008

Abstract

The Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission represents a milestone in the exploration of the solar system and, in particular, in the investigation of the planet Mars and specific questions regarding its potential habitability. For many years, this technically challenging mission has remained as a long-term goal of many of the world’s space -faring nations and agencies. This paper will present the recent efforts of the International Mars Architecture for the Return of Samples (iMARS) group, created under the auspices of the International Mars Exploration Working Group (IMEWG), to establish a common, international reference architecture for this landmark mission. 
This paper will present an initial consensus international architecture for Mars sample return. It will outline the work performed in establishing and assessing, in a common framework, the major requirements of the mission and their translation into engineering challenges that must be addressed. The major trade-offs arising from the preliminary architecture consideration will be discussed, including their relationship to the mission’s ambitious science objectives and strict planetary protection constraints.
In particular, this paper documents the initial analyses performed to identify suitable mission architectures based on the evaluation of Earth-to-Mars and return trajectories, launch vehicle performances, and mission element masses.
The next steps after these first cooperative efforts on the MSR mission will be outlined, along with their relationship to broader planning for Mars exploration. 

Abstract document

IAC-08.A3.1.3.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.A3.1.3.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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