Aerobraking technology studies

For a Mars Expedition, aerobrakes can play a vital role in several major mission events, including aerocapture to achieve orbit and descent to the planetary surface both at Mars and upon return to Earth. The feasibility of aerobrake designs will depend upon material and structures technologies because they will serve as a key factor in determining: (1) aerobrake mass and mass fraction; (2) the extent to which aerobrakes can survive the thermal environment. This is especially important for reusable aerobrakes. With the cancellation of the Aeroassist Flight Experiment, the effort to validate aerobrake designs has focused on laboratory test and analysis; (3) the feasibility of assembling and/or deploying large aerobrakes. On-orbit assembly is a critical issue for all spacecraft intended for Mars exploration missions. Current studies are addressing options related to inspace assembly and construction; and (4) configuration lift-to-drag (L/D) ratio. High L/D increases convective heating, whereas low L/D emphasizes radiative heating. In general, the lowest L/D design that can satisfy mission requirements is preferred.