Computer Science – Performance
Scientific paper
Jul 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000came.work..186c&link_type=abstract
Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration, p. 186
Computer Science
Performance
Mars Missions, Aerocapture, Earth-Mars Trajectories, Transfer Orbits, Mars Atmosphere, Payloads, Aerodynamic Drag
Scientific paper
The Hohmann transfer trajectory is an economical way to go from Earth to Mars but a spacecraft has to reduce its speed very significantly upon arrival in order to be inserted into a Mars orbit. The aerocapture is a way to do that, by using the Martian atmosphere to produce sufficient aerodynamic drag force on a heatshield and achieve the required deceleration. This presentation will address the major stake of the aerocapture which is twofold: a) We will list the different technologies and areas of knowledge related to the aerocapture, identify the risks associated with each of them and finally demonstrate that aerocapture is not as risky as it is said to be; b) Aerocapture saves a huge amount of propellant and so allows to improve dramatically the dollar/kg ratio for any payload at Mars by using this mass savings for payloads and by decreasing the launch cost. This benefit is particularly evident for a return mission because of the amplification factor of the propellant mass for the escape of Mars ("snow ball" effect). We will have a quantitative analysis of some typical cases of spacecraft vs. launcher performance . We will conclude that aerocapture is interesting for the present robotic missions and certainly a good investment for the future manned missions to Mars.
Charbonnier Jean-Marc
Cledassou Rodolphe
Lam-Trong Th.
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