Chapter
Apr 26, 2012
2011 Mars Science Laboratory Mission Design Overview
Publication: Earth and Space 2010: Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments
Abstract
Scheduled to launch in the fall of 2011 with arrival at Mars occurring in the summer of 2012, NASA's Mars Science Laboratory will explore and assess whether Mars ever had conditions capable of supporting microbial life. In order to achieve its science objectives, the Mars Science Laboratory will be equipped with the most advanced suite of instruments ever sent to the surface of the Red Planet. Delivering the next mobile science laboratory safely to the surface of Mars has various key challenges derived from a strict set of requirements which include launch vehicle performance, spacecraft mass, communications coverage during Entry, Descent, and Landing, atmosphere-relative entry speeds, latitude accessibility, and dust storm season avoidance among others. The Mars Science Laboratory launch/arrival strategy selected after careful review satisfies all these mission requirements.
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Published In
Earth and Space 2010: Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments
Pages: 873 - 897
Copyright
© 2010 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Apr 26, 2012
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Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Dr. Pasadena, CA 91109. E-mail: [email protected]
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