DevelopSpace is the process of migrating content to our new website at DevelopSpace.org.
The content on this site is being preserved for historical purposes, however please visit our new site for the most up to date information.
MinMars/EDL
< MinMars
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
This section requires further editing to include all previous efforts.
Repository of Working Models
http://svn.developspace.net/svn/minmars/users/arthur/Transportation/
Major EDL Challenges for MinMars
- Significantly higher ballistic coefficient than MSL
- Lower landing altitude than for MSL helps (denser atmosphere)
- Landing altitude possibly as low as -2 km
- Higher landing accuracy
- 2-5 km vs. 20 km
- But pre-deployed assets available (in orbit and on the ground)
- No use of main parachute(s)
- Vehicle never slows down sufficiently for existing parachute technology (< Mach 2); also issues with chute scaling
- All-propulsive descent will likely be required
- Possibly use of a supersonic drogue parachute for aeroshell forebody separation and stabilization
- Off-center aerodynamic heating
- Large aeroshell diameter leads to different Re-number regime, turbulent flow over forebody heat shield
- Maximum heating may no longer occur at center / nose of heat shield but off-center in turbulent region
Question: in a worst-case scenario, could we deliver MinMars infrastructure�and crew with existing (Viking-based) EDL technology (or extensions thereof)?
EDL System for 2 mt Useful Mass
- Transportation assessment assuming capability for 1 mt usable surface payload
- Crew transportation:
- 2 crew per 25 mt package
- In-space habitat that is discarded prior to aerocapture / entry
- 2 crew either enter together in single aeroshell or each crew has individual aeroshell
- Transportation of supplies and spare parts
- Can be scaled down and delivered with individual aeroshells in 1 mt packages
- Transportation of power and ISRU systems
- Can be scaled down and delivered with individual aeroshells in 1 mt packages
- Transportation of unpressurized mobility systems
- Can be scaled down and delivered with individual aeroshells in 1 mt packages
- Transportation of habitat and workshop
- Difficult, may require inflatable modules with interior outfitting; subsequent assembly on the surface
