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Mars Relay Spacecraft: A Low-Cost ApproachThe next phase of Mars exploration will utilize numerous globally distributed small low-cost devices including landers penetrators microrovers and balloons. Direct-to-Earth communications links if required for these landers will drive the lander design for two reasons: a) mass and complexity needed for a steerable high-gain antenna and b) power requirements for a high-power amplifier (i.e. solar panel and battery mass). Total mass of the direct link hardware for several recent small-lander designs exceeded the mass of the scientific payload. Alternatively if communications are via a Mars-orbiting relay spacecraft resource requirements for the local UHF communication link are comparatively trivial: a simple whip antenna and less than 1 watt power. Clearly using a Mars relay spacecraft (MRS) is the preferred option if the MRS mission can be accomplished in an affordable and robust way. Our paper describes a point design for such a mission launched in the s001 or 2003 opportunity.
Document ID
20060041864
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
SvitekT, .
King, J.
Fulton, R.
McOmber, R.
Hastrup, R.
Miller, A.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1995
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA/Utah State University Conference on Small Satellites
Location: Logan, UT
Country: United States
Start Date: September 1, 1995
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Mars Relay Spacecraft

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