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What factors should you consider when planning a Mars sample return mission?

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Mars sample return (MSR) is one of the most ambitious and challenging missions in the history of space exploration. It aims to bring back rocks and soil from the red planet for scientific analysis on Earth. However, planning such a mission requires careful consideration of many factors, such as the launch window, the landing site, the sample collection and storage, the ascent and rendezvous, and the Earth re-entry. In this article, you will learn about some of the key aspects of each of these factors and how they affect the design and feasibility of an MSR mission.

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Melanie Fourie

International Journalist. Editor. Content Strategist. Brand Aficionado. Founder/CEO. Christian.

1 Launch window

The launch window is the period of time when the Earth and Mars are in favorable positions for a spacecraft to travel between them with the least amount of fuel. The launch window for an MSR mission depends on the type and duration of the trajectory, as well as the mass and propulsion of the spacecraft. Typically, the launch window occurs every 26 months and lasts for a few weeks. The optimal launch window also depends on the return window, which is when the Mars orbiter can transfer the sample capsule to Earth with the least amount of fuel.

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Barbara Orsola

Senior Business Development Manager at TMC Italia - Technology and Engineering Service
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Mars Sample Return is a proposed mission to return samples from the surface of Mars to Earth. The mission would use robotic systems and a Mars ascent rocket to collect and send samples of Martian rocks, soils and atmosphere to Earth for detailed chemical and physical analysis.

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2 Landing site

The landing site is the location on Mars where the lander will touch down and deploy the rover to collect samples. The landing site selection is based on several criteria, such as the scientific value, the safety, the accessibility, and the diversity of the samples. The landing site should also have a low elevation, a flat terrain, a low atmospheric density, and a low dust activity to reduce the risks and uncertainties of the entry, descent, and landing (EDL) phase. Additionally, the landing site should be within a certain latitude range to ensure adequate solar power and thermal conditions for the rover.

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3 Sample collection and storage

The sample collection and storage is the process of acquiring and preserving the Martian rocks and soil for later analysis. The sample collection and storage involves several steps, such as drilling, coring, caching, sealing, and transferring. The rover will use a drill to extract cores from different locations and depths, and store them in tubes inside a carousel. The tubes will be sealed with caps and hermetically isolated to prevent contamination and degradation. The rover will then transfer the tubes to the lander, where they will be loaded into a sample return container (SRC).

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4 Ascent and rendezvous

The ascent and rendezvous is the phase when the lander launches the SRC into orbit and docks with the orbiter. The ascent and rendezvous requires a reliable and precise launch system, as well as a robust and agile guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system. The launch system consists of a solid rocket motor that propels the SRC to a predefined orbit. The GNC system consists of sensors, actuators, and algorithms that enable the SRC to communicate, track, and maneuver towards the orbiter. The orbiter will then capture and secure the SRC in a dedicated compartment.

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5 Earth re-entry

The Earth re-entry is the final phase when the orbiter releases the SRC towards Earth and it lands safely on the ground. The Earth re-entry involves several challenges, such as the high velocity, the high temperature, the high deceleration, and the high accuracy. The SRC will need a robust and lightweight heat shield to withstand the aerothermal loads and protect the samples. The SRC will also need a parachute system to slow down and stabilize the descent. The SRC will also need a landing system to cushion the impact and enable the recovery. The landing system may consist of airbags, crushable materials, or retro-rockets.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Melanie Fourie

International Journalist. Editor. Content Strategist. Brand Aficionado. Founder/CEO. Christian.
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In navigating the intricacies of a Mars sample return mission, one invaluable consideration is the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology. Innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems play a pivotal role in overcoming the challenges posed by the Martian environment. Additionally, collaboration among international space agencies becomes a cornerstone, ensuring a collective effort for mission success through the shared pooling of resources, knowledge, and expertise. In essence, orchestrating a Mars sample return mission demands a comprehensive strategy adept at addressing the unique challenges at each stage.

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What factors should you consider when planning a Mars sample return mission?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Launch window

2 Landing site

3 Sample collection and storage

4 Ascent and rendezvous

5 Earth re-entry

6 Here’s what else to consider

Aerospace Engineering

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What factors should you consider when planning a Mars sample return mission?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Launch window

2 Landing site

3 Sample collection and storage

4 Ascent and rendezvous

5 Earth re-entry

6 Here’s what else to consider

Aerospace Engineering

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