Technologies and concepts applicable to eventual manned exploration of Mars, as demonstrated by the Mars Sample Return Mission, are presented. These include aerocapturing at Mars; safe and accurate descent and landing effectively using aerobraking and propulsion; launch and ascent from the Martian surface; rendezvous and docking with an orbiting return vehicle; and a safe return to earth. Critical mission elements are expected to function independently of either earth or astronaut control to ensure human safety. The Mars Rover Sample Return Mission includes such elements as autonomous functions in this unmanned mission. Based on the analyses performed and the concepts investigated, it is suggested that robotic missions are feasible for late 1990s without any major technology development being required.
Mars sample return missions, precursors to manned planetary exploration
1990-10-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
Earth return aerocapture for manned Mars missions
NTRS | 1991
|Online Contents | 1997
Mars rover sample return missions
NTRS | 1988
|ENVIRONMENT FOR MANNED PLANETARY MISSIONS
AIAA | 1968
|Prospects for Manned Mars Missions
NTRS | 1966
|