Analysis of the Earth Entry System Release Accuracy for Mars Sample Return

Paper number

IAC-24,A3,IPB,18,x82084

Author

Dr. Bruno Sarli, NASA GSFC, United States

Coauthor

Ms. Emily Bowman, NASA GSFC, United States

Coauthor

Dr. Giuseppe Cataldo, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Walter Garcen, KBR, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Mario Contreras, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Blair Russell, KBR, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Corbett Smith, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Paul Dizon, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Kyle Grello, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center, United States

Year

2024

Abstract

This paper will present an examination of the Earth Entry System (EES), a critical aspect of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign. MSR, a collaborative effort between NASA and ESA, aims to bring Martian atmosphere, regolith, and rock samples to Earth for an in-depth analysis. The EES is a component on the Capture, Containment and Return System (CCRS), whose purpose is to retrieve the samples from a low Mars orbit, transport them safely from Mars, and release the samples on a ballistic trajectory to Earth. Understanding the intricacies of EES release accuracy is paramount in preserving the science and ensuring the safe retrieval of Martian samples.

This paper will highlight the significance of an accurate EES release within the context of MSR and will provide a comprehensive overview of the modeling efforts undertaken to simulate the EES release process. It will additionally detail the planned hardware test program to validate functionality of the release system and ensure performance against critical mission requirements. Verification and validation processes are outlined, demonstrating the rigorous testing procedures employed to guarantee reliability of the system. Furthermore, the paper presents performance results derived from an extensive analysis, offering insights into the sensitivities of the system and Monte Carlo results. These results are crucial for refining mission parameters, enhancing system robustness, and ultimately ensuring the successful return of Martian samples.

Note, as part of the NASA response to the recent MSR Independent Review Board’s report and in light of the current budget environment, the MSR Program is undergoing a consideration of changes in its mission architecture. In addition, the decision to implement Mars Sample Return will not be finalized until NASA’s completion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The CCRS project completed system development to a PDR level of maturity in mid-December 2023, after which the project was stopped indefinitely pending the results of the re-architecting effort.

Abstract document

IAC-24,A3,IPB,18,x82084.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

(absent)