This work presents a design for a stand-alone Mars exploration mission utilizing a 12U CubeSat, showcasing the integration of DLR's in-house technologies. Focused on demonstrating the capabilities of miniaturized satellites in deep space, this innovative 4-year mission will travel independently to Mars propelled by a low-thrust propulsion system. Upon reaching Mars, the spacecraft will insert itself into a highly elliptical orbit, transitioning to a Primary Science Orbit (PSO) at 250 km altitude through aerobraking. This orbit is strategically chosen for its sun-synchronous and near-circular properties, optimizing scientific operations aimed at studying Mars' lower atmosphere and gravity field. The CubeSat features a 20.8 kg wet mass, a 6.3 km/s maneuvering capability, and can generate up to 90 W of power. It is equipped with a 2U infrared spectrometer, a 1U gravimeter, and a 12 Mpx CMOS camera for scientific data collection. Utilizing DLR's technology, including an integrated avionics stack combining communications, power, and onboard computer subsystems, the mission seeks to advance the CubeSat platform for interplanetary use, significantly reducing costs and fostering future exploration opportunities.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Preliminary design of a stand-alone Mars CubeSat mission integrating DLR in-house technologies


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Small Satellites Systems and Services Symposium (4S 2024) ; 2024 ; Palma de Mallorca, Spain


    Published in:

    Proc. SPIE ; 13546


    Publication date :

    2025-03-20





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    SYSTEMS DESIGN OF MARIO: A STAND-ALONE 16U CUBESAT TO MARS

    Mani, Karthik Venkatesh / Casado, Alvaro Sanz / Franzese, Vittorio et al. | TIBKAT | 2020


    Combined Chemical–Electric Propulsion for a Stand-Alone Mars CubeSat

    Mani, Karthik V. / Cervone, Angelo / Topputo, Francesco | AIAA | 2019


    A COMMUNICATION RELAY CUBESAT MISSION FOR MARS SOLAR CONJUNCTION

    Burville, Kevin / Richter, Steven / Slocki, Dylan J. et al. | TIBKAT | 2022


    PRELIMINARY MISSION DESIGN OF CUBESAT FOR HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS POLARIMETRY

    Monteiro, Jorge Bordalo / Neves, Henrique / Marques, Diogo et al. | TIBKAT | 2022