The concept of a mechanically deployable hypersonic decelerator, developed initially for high mass (~40 MT) human Mars missions, is currently funded by OCT for technology maturation. The ADEPT (Adaptive, Deployable Entry and Placement Technology) project has broad, game-changing applicability to in situ science missions to Venus, Mars, and the Outer Planets. Combined with maturation of conformal ablator technology (another current OCT investment), the two technologies provide unique low mass mission enabling capabilities otherwise not achievable by current rigid aeroshell or by inflatables. If this abstract is accepted, we will present results that illustrate the mission enabling capabilities of the mechanically deployable architecture for: (1) robotic Mars (Discovery or New Frontiers class) in the near term; (2) alternate approaches to landing MSL-class payloads, without the need for supersonic parachute or lifting entry, in the mid-term; and (3) Heavy mass and human missions to Mars in the long term.


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    Title :

    Mechanically-Deployed Hypersonic Decelerator and Conformal Ablator Technologies for Mars Missions


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    22nd AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technology ; 2012 ; Daytona Beach, FL, United States


    Publication date :

    2012-09-05


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





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