Design Optimization of High Mass Mars Entry Systems

Paper number

IAC-08.D2.3.8

Author

Dr. Dana Andrews, Andrews Space & Technology, United States

Year

2008

Abstract

The proposed paper reports on the status of on-going Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) Trade Studies covering all aspects of packaging and landing future human missions to Mars. This study is being conducted by Andrews Space in Seattle, Washington for and with the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The scope of the problem ranges from identifying the Mars surface elements that need to be packaged, to the physical constraints imposed by the launch system, and to the entry dispersions that the GN&C and aerodynamics must overcome to provide a safe delivery to the chosen landing site. Ample use of Mars mission data previously generated under previous NASA-funded studies is planned to save time and money. Five different entry concepts (biconic aeroshell, deployable lifting brake, deployable symmetric brake, surrounding ballute, and trailing ballute) will be evaluated for reliability and safety, for relative mass fraction, and for technical and programmatic risks. A descent system designed to minimize miss distance while providing a margin of safety will be generated for each entry concept, as well as a landing system capable of landing next to existing Mars infrastructure. These five entry concepts were chosen to cover the entire range of L/D and ballistic coefficients to insure that no potential winner is overlooked and to insure that all relevant EDL technologies will be evaluated. Each proposed EDL concept will be designed, analyzed, and flown in simulations to determine weight, shape, and performance. Each concept design will be closed, detail CAD drawing generated, and the critical technologies identified. These concept designs and supporting data will be presented at the conference.
The objective of the proposed research is to systematically study the proposed Mars Exploration Missions, identify the Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems that enable the entire range of planned missions, prioritize the key technologies (along with an affordable development plan), and recommend the way forward to the Fundamental Aeronautics Program. This research is key to moving forward in Mars Exploration because the current Viking-based EDL systems have reached their weight/diameter limitations, and a new paradigm is required to reliably land much heavier mission payloads in more interesting, but higher or more rugged terrains.

Abstract document

IAC-08.D2.3.8.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.D2.3.8.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.