(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2008-06)
Korzun, Ashley M.; Smith, Brandon P.; Hartzell, Christine M.; Yu, Chi-Yau; Place, Laura A.; Martinelli, Scott K.; Braun, Robert D.; Hott, Kyle B.
Execution of a full entry, descent, and landing (EDL) from low Earth orbit is a rare requirement among university class spacecraft. Successful completion of the Mars Gravity Biosatellite mission requires the recovery of a
mammalian payload for post-flight analysis of the effects of partial gravity. The EDL design for the Mars Gravity
Biosatellite is driven by requirements on the allowable deceleration profile for a payload of deconditioned mice and
maximum allowable recovery time. The 260 kg entry vehicle follows a ballistic trajectory from low Earth orbit to a
target recovery site at the Utah Test and Training Range. Reflecting an emphasis on design simplicity and the use of
heritage technology, the entry vehicle uses the Discoverer aeroshell geometry and leverages aerodynamic
decelerators for mid-air recovery and operations originally developed for the Genesis mission. This paper presents
the student-developed EDL design for the Mars Gravity Biosatellite, with emphasis on trajectory design, dispersion
analysis, and mechanical design and performance analysis of the thermal protection and parachute systems. Also
included is discussion on EDL event sequencing and triggers, the de-orbit of the spacecraft bus, plans for further
work, and the educational impact of the Mars Gravity Biosatellite program.