Keywords:Mars Sample Return (MSR); transfer scenario
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:
This study sets forth conceptual mission design strategies for the ascent and rendezvous phase of the proposed NASA/ESA joint Mars Sample Return Campaign. The current notional mission architecture calls for the launch of an acquisition/ caching rover in 2018, an Earth return orbiter in 2022, and a fetch rover with ascent vehicle in 2024. Strategies are presented to launch the sample into a nearly coplanar orbit with the Orbiter which would facilitate robust optical detection, orbit determination, and rendezvous. Repeating ground track orbits exist
at 457 and 572 km which would provide multiple launch opportunities with similar geometries for detection and rendezvous.