Keywords:sample return missions; Mars Sample Return (MSR)
Publisher:Pasadena, CA : Jet Propulsion Laboratory, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2011.
Citation:AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Girdwood, Alaska, July 31 ‐ August 4, 2011
Abstract:
A number of studies have demonstrated that aerodynamic lift during a planetary low-altitude atmospheric flyby can increase the V∞ bending angle and the total ΔV achievable from gravity assist. Aero-Gravity Assist (AGA) trajectories of this type require a significantly high spacecraft L/D (lift-to-drag) ratio and a fairly robust closed-loop guidance algorithm capable of providing a desired control authority for level, nearly constant-altitude atmospheric flight. The AGA concept has been described in some previous publications as one of the techniques for Mars and Venus atmospheric sample return mission design strategies1-4. Recent analysis has demonstrated that passive, ballistic (zero-lift) aeropass trajectories could equally satisfy potential future sample return mission objectives and provide quite robust and simple alternatives to a complex guided AGA lifting trajectory design.