Reaching High Altitudes on Mars With an Inflatable Hypersonic Drag Balloon

2010
ISBN: 978-3-8348-1425-8
Verlag: Vieweg+Teubner Verlag

Buch, Englisch, 236 Seiten, Paperback, Format (B × H): 148 mm x 210 mm, Gewicht: 393 g

The concept of probing the atmosphere of planet Mars by means of a hypersonic drag balloon, a device known as a “ballute”, is a novel approach to planetary science. In this concept, the probe deploys an inflatable drag body out in space and may then enter the atmosphere either once or several times until it slowly descends towards the ground, taking continuous atmospheric and other readings across a large altitude and ground range.

Hannes Griebel discusses the theory behind such a mission along with experience gained during its practical implementation, such as mission design, manufacturing, packing and deployment techniques as well as ground and flight tests. The author also studies other ballute applications, specifically emergency low Earth orbit recovery and delivering payloads to high altitude landing sites on Mars.

Zielgruppe

Researchers and students of space science and engineering interested in the application of inflatable entry technology.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Griebel, Hannes Stephan

Fachgebiete

• Technische Wissenschaften Sonstige Technologien | Angewandte Technik Weltraumforschung
• Naturwissenschaften Astronomie Raumfahrt
• Technische Wissenschaften Verkehrstechnik | Transportgewerbe Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik, Luftverkehr

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Related Technologies and State of the Art.- Basic Considerations on Probes with Low Ballistic Coefficients.- Ballute Spacecraft Configuration options.- Flight Dynamics Analysis.- Material Analysis.- Ballute.- Transportation and Deployment System.- Inflation Control and Gas Storage System (IGSS).- Mission and Spacecraft Design for Ballute Applications.- Conclusion and Outlook.

Über Autor(innen)

Griebel, Hannes Stephan
Dr. Hannes Griebel completed his doctoral thesis under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Bernd Häusler at the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Universität der Bundeswehr, München. He was ARCHIMEDES Chief Engineer and Programme Manager and is currently working as a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer for Mars Express.