Abstract This paper presents scientific merits and design challenges associated with a novel idea to perform rocket sounding of the Martian atmosphere. Limited data sets of the Mars atmosphere profile are available, while ambitious exploration plans for the next years and decades require achieving game-changing capabilities in terms of extensive atmospheric data acquisition. Planetary landers, orbiters or rovers have limited capabilities regarding gathering data of the atmosphere. Aircraft and rotorcraft are among other solutions for Mars exploration, but they enable conducting soundings only at relatively low altitudes. It is therefore of uttermost importance to ensure the capability for further data acquisition supporting safe and sustainable exploration of Mars. This paper proposes the concept of use of Mars-dedicated sounding rockets. Unlike other concepts, considering rocket propulsion on vehicles capable of doing tasks including i.e. descent and landing, bringing samples of Martian soil to orbit and serving as a long-range Mars surface transportation system, the proposed concept is focused only on conducting ballistic flights with the main purpose of atmospheric research, aiding exploration and potential future activities. Rocket design drivers are discussed and compared with the state-of-the-art approach regarding Earth atmospheric sounding. Means for propelling suborbital flights on Mars are discussed. Optimization of vehicles for a reference mission is described and effects of sizing rockets for Martian application instead of Terrestrial utilization are given. Finally, recommendations for future dedicated Martian sounding rocket developments and a technical scenarios outlook are provided.

    Highlights Mars atmospheric research history and its current exploration-related objectives. Growing need of Martian atmospheric research using in-situ measurements. Rocket payload mass fractions and propulsion system trade offs. Performance of dedicated sounding vehicles on Mars and on Earth. Mars mission concept utilizing dozens of sounding rockets within a single lander.


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    Pressly, E. C. | NTRS | 1965


    Sounding Rockets

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    Hurden, D. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1963