MinMars/EDL
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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
