Recent concepts in missions to Mars - Extraterrestrial processesThis paper presents some recent concepts in Mars Sample Return (MSR) missions that utilize extraterrestrial resources. The concepts examined include the power and energy needs of this mission. It is shown that solar energy is not especially attractive. Radioisotopic power generator and a Rankine cycle use are seen to be viable options. Quantitative estimates, taking into consideration state-of-the-art and projected technologies indicate that the power/energy per se is not critical to the mission - but reliability is. Hence, various modern options for the components of the power generation and utilization are discussed. The dramatic savings in Shuttle (or other) vehicle launches are quantitatively plotted. The basic system that is discussed here is the production of hydrocarbon (methane) fuel and oxygen from Martian atmosphere. For the simplest mission, it is seen that earth-carried methane burned with oxygen produced on site provides the best system.
Document ID
19870028628
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ramohalli, K. N. (Arizona, University Tucson, United States)
Ash, R. L. (Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA, United States)
Lawton, E. A. (Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
French, J. R. (Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Frisbee, R. H. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)