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Technology Development and Design of a Hybrid Mars Ascent Vehicle ConceptHybrid propulsion has been investigated as an enhancing technology for a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) concept as part of potential Mars Sample Return (MSR) because of its high specific impulse, restartability, and the ability to operate and survive at extremely low temperatures. A new wax-based hybrid fuel formulation has been developed that could withstand the harsh and variable Mars environment protected solely by a minimal layer of passive insulation. This formulation could provide substantial energy savings for a notional lander and is critical for rover mobility. Preliminary thermal cycle testing has determined that the formulation can survive the expected temperature extremes and lifetime thermal testing is currently underway. A complete preliminary design using this new fuel formulation combined with a low temperature oxidizer such as Mixed Oxides of Nitrogen (MON30) is presented. Several key features associated with a complete hybrid MAV concept are investigated to determine their mission suitability (e.g. Thrust Vector Control and restartable ignition options). Potential challenges along a path towards developing such a system are outlined and future work is suggested as a means of technology maturation. The hybrid design presented here was the lowest Gross Lift Off Mass (GLOM) result of a 2015 Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) led MAV concept study.
Document ID
20170007085
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Karp, Ashley C.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Redmond, Matt
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Nakazono, Barry
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Vaughan, David
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Shotwell, Robert
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Story, George
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Jackson, Dale
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Young, David
(Jacobs Engineering and Science Services and Skills Augmentation Group (ESSSA) Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 1, 2017
Publication Date
March 5, 2016
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Meeting Information
Meeting: 2016 IEEE Aerospace Conference
Location: Big Sky, MT
Country: United States
Start Date: March 5, 2016
End Date: March 12, 2016
Sponsors: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
MSR
MAV

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