Lessons learned from the development of the MSL descent stage propulsion system

Guernsey, Carl S.; Weiss, Jeffrey M.

Lessons learned from the development of the MSL descent stage propulsion system

Guernsey, Carl S.; Weiss, Jeffrey M.

URI: http://hdl.handle.net/2014/44159

Date: 2013-02-10

Keywords: Mars Science Laboratory (MSL); Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL); Descent Stage (DS) propulsion subsystem

Publisher: Pasadena, CA : Jet Propulsion Laboratory, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2013

Citation: 23rd AAS/AIAA Spaceflight Mechanics Meeting, Kauai, Hawaii, February 10-14 2013

Abstract:

Development of the MSL descent stage propulsion system required a number of new propulsion hardware developments incorporating technologies not normally found in spacecraft propulsion subsystems. These developments were driven by the relatively high (25,000 N) maximum thrust level and the requirement for precise throttling of the main engines. This paper presents lessons learned in the course of these developments, including surprises and anomalies discovered at both the component and subsystem levels.

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