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Entry System Design of the Mars Gravity Biosatellite
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The Mars Gravity Biosatellite will be launched to low Earth orbit and will study the
effects of partial gravity on mammalian physiology. The entry vehicle will return 15 live
mice to the Earth’s surface from low Earth orbit, landing in the Woomera Prohibited Area
in central South Australia. This study establishes a baseline for the entry, descent, and
landing system through the comparison of various concepts. The Discoverer capsule from
the military’s Corona program of the 1950’s and 60’s is chosen over other concepts as the
baseline aeroshell after an analysis of static stability and payload requirements for this
mission. A nominal trajectory is developed based on science requirements, the safety of the
mice, and payload recovery requirements. A sensitivity study is performed on the entry
trajectory to determine the effects various parameters have on the nominal entry and a
Monte Carlo dispersion analysis is used to establish a 3-σ landing ellipse, which fits within
the boundaries of the Woomera Prohibited Area. A discussion of potential de-orbit
propulsive devices is given in relation to the required de-orbit ∆V. A 16 m parachute is
chosen as the baseline due to the resulting 4.8 m/s ground impact velocity and a crushable
aluminum foam is chosen as a means to attenuate the shock of ground impact.