Strategies for Landing Large Ballistic Coefficient Vehicles on Mars
Author(s)
Anderson, Tyler R.
Putnam, Zachary R.
Braun, Robert D.
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Abstract
Large ballistic coefficient entry, descent, and landing vehicles are likely required to
achieve more ambitious exploration goals at Mars. This paper investigates strategies for
safe landing on Mars for vehicles with large ballistic coefficients, with a focus on maintaining
sufficient altitude for terminal descent. Specifically, requirements and guidance strategies
for the use of aerodynamic lift in the hypersonic regime are assessed over a range of ballistic
coefficients. Results indicate that, for moderately high ballistic coefficients, judicious use of
lift may allow safe landing. These strategies may be applicable to future large-scale robotic
or human entry, descent, and landing architectures.
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Date
2016-01
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