NASA Ames Research Center has been studying the feasibility of vertical lift aerial vehicles to support planetary science and exploration missions. Besides Earth, it appears that there are three planetary bodies within our solar system where vertical flight might not only be theoretically feasible, but would also have unique mission capabilities that no other platform (ground-based, aerial, or orbital) could provide. Several vertical lift vehicle configurations might be applicable for planetary science missions. This paper presents a few representative conceptual design cases and the design challenges inherent in their development. Finally, more detailed comments are directed to the issues inherent in developing a NASA Mars Scout mission employing the use of a Martian autonomous rotorcraft.


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    Title :

    Vertical Lift Planetary Aerial Vehicles: Three Planetary Bodies and Four Conceptual Design Cases


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    27th European Rotorcraft Forum


    Publication date :

    2001-05-31


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





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