Mars-Next - A Mars Sample Return precursor mission

Paper number

IAC-08.A3.3.A6

Author

Dr. Francesco Mura, Thales Alenia Space Italia, Italy

Year

2008

Abstract

Mars Sample Return is a very challenging mission that presents several technical/operations problems that have never been faced before. 

Moreover MSR, even if based on two single launche by Ariane-5 class launcher, presents mass budget criticalities so that particular mass aving manouvres will likely be implemented; this is the case of Aerobraking for partial Target Orbit Aquisition (TOA) after the Mars Orbit Insertion (MOI) manouvre.

Mars-Next has the following objectives:

- simulate in real enviroment the authonomous RendezVous and Capture phase of the Sample Container released in orbit, in the actual MSR mission, by the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV)

- perform Aerobraking and aquire experience on it for partial TOA 

- delivery at least 3 small landers for Network science

- carry on 30 kg of P/L instruments for Orbital science.

The Mars-Next program has started the Phase-A beginning 2008 under ESA contract.

Abstract document

IAC-08.A3.3.A6.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.A3.3.A6.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.