Title:
Planetary Probe Entry, Descent, and Landing Systems: Technology Advancements, Cost, and Mass Evaluations with
Application to Future Titan Exploration Missions
Planetary Probe Entry, Descent, and Landing Systems: Technology Advancements, Cost, and Mass Evaluations with
Application to Future Titan Exploration Missions
Author(s)
Ong, Chester
Bieber, Ben S.
Needham, Jennifer
Huo, Bing
Magee, Angela
Montuori, Craig
Ko, Chiwan
Peterson, Craig
Bieber, Ben S.
Needham, Jennifer
Huo, Bing
Magee, Angela
Montuori, Craig
Ko, Chiwan
Peterson, Craig
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Editor(s)
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Abstract
Heritage is the double-edged sword in space systems engineering. Reliance on
heritage can ensure redundant success but will diminish advancements in science and
technology that are integral to the success of future missions. Current reliance on heritage
flight hardware is due to the absolute cost ceilings and short development timetables.
Since the pre-phase A design stage mandates that system engineers establish complex and
crucial decisions governing the mission design, system engineers would greatly benefit
from an apples-to-apples comparison of the mass and cost benefits from different
technologies across a range of performance parameters. The Cost and Mass Evaluation of
Technology (CoMET) removes the “hand-waving” arguments in EDL technology
benefits, and identifies possible points of diminishing returns for the advancement of
specific technologies. Ultimately, CoMET: EDL is a design-to-cost model that answers
the following question: Would further technology development just be “polishing the
cannonball?”
EDL sub-systems include, but are not limited to, aeroshell and thermal protection
entry systems; parachute systems; powered descent and landing systems; power systems;
and in-situ exploration systems of aerobots. CoMET explores the technology trades
between mass and cost in the collaborative engineering environment regarding key
technology areas and launch vehicle considerations. To demonstrate CoMET’s potential
in confronting future mission concepts that require new operational approaches and
technology advancements, a planetary probe mission is designed around the exploration
of Saturn’s moon, Titan. In January 14, 2005, the planetary probe Huygens befell Titan’s
surface in search of life’s origins. On the Titan-Huygens probe, the limitations of
communications relay geometry and battery power vastly restricted the operational time,
scientific goals, and total returns of this mission. Without the improvement of battery
efficiency or the evolution of nuclear power systems, state of the art technology will
always restrict planetary scientists to short-duration missions and miniscule data
sampling. Furthermore, to capitalize on each planet’s or moon’s unique environment,
future probes will require innovative systems of in-situ exploration, such as blimps for
mobility in dense atmospheres. This paper explores mass, cost, and technology trade-offs
of an airship among several EDL technologies within general mission requirements of a
mission to Titan.
Sponsor
AIAA Space Systems Technical Committee ; AIAA Space Transportation Systems Technical Committee ; Space Technology Advanced Research Center
Date Issued
2005-11-10
Extent
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1913 bytes
788171 bytes
1913 bytes
788171 bytes
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Presentation