Francisco J. Arias
Cambridge University
UK
Title: A Novel Drag Concept System for Spacecraft Descent Through Low Density Planetary Atmospheres With Particular Reference to Mars.
Biography
Biography: Francisco J. Arias
Abstract
Nowadays, Mars Entry Descent and Landing Systems (EDLS) technology dates back to NASA’s Viking which are based on the traditional heatshield/parachute combination and on the use of inflatable or retro-thrusters technologies.
On the other hand, the essential Viking parachute design has been used ever since — and was employed again in 2012 to deliver the Curiosity rover to Mars. Unfortunately, because the low density of the Martian atmosphere, the use of parachutes is not enough, and it is necessary the use of retro-thrusters or inflatable airbags. This stage is the most challenging stage during the entire Martian mission, and is where failures occur. Indeed, the most recent failure in the exploration of Mars, the ExoMars Schiaparelli module by the European Space Agency (ESA) ended up following its descent on 19 October this year, was lost in final minutes of descent, because failure in the retro-thrusters time control system. One possible alternative to avoid or at least to mitigate the dependence on the use of retro-thrusters or inflatable airbags is by developing new drag enhancement devices. These new drag devices may be one of the first steps on the technology path to potentially landing humans, habitats, and their return rockets safely on Mars.
Since 2015, the University of Catalonia, Spain, in collaboration with University of Cambridge have developed a novel, simple, and reliable concept for decreasing the ballistic coefficient of the spacecraft.
In this work, it will be presented for first time the preliminary results of te concept to the scientific and engineering community. Where the theoretical background, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, Laboratory testing, and a mock-up model tested at free fall where used. The preliminary results are highly encouraging where it is shown that ballistic coefficient can effectively be reduced at least up to 20 times its initial value.