Designing Probes for Network Science on Mars

Paper number

IAC-08.A3.3.B10

Author

Ms. Kelly Geelen, Astrium UK, United Kingdom

Year

2008

Abstract

As part of the proposed ESA MarsNET mission, there are Network Science Probes that will land at different equatorial regions of Mars to perform Network Science.

The surface mission aims to deploy a network of three identical landers in the 100-125 kg range, which will perform simultaneous measurements in order to study the internal structure, sub-surface, and atmosphere of Mars. This will be the first mission of its kind. The payload suite consists of a seismometer, radio science instrument, meteorological instrumentation, a magnetometer, a mole and site imaging system.

After the entry descent and landing based on a design with a parachute, retrorockets and unvented airbags, the lander will have a surface lifetime of minimum one Martian year. This results in a very robust lander design in order to survive the Global Dust Storm Season. The design will be based on the previous Beagle 2 lander, with additional capabilities for direct communications to Earth and a thermal architecture relying on an RHU.

This paper describes in more detail the science that can be achieved with this type of mission and how to overcome the challenges of surviving a year on the Martian surface within the mission constraints. 

Abstract document

IAC-08.A3.3.B10.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.A3.3.B10.PDF (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.