Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the - Solar System ...

Mars Sample Return Lander and Mars Ascent Vehicle
MSR Lander, Mars Ascent Vehicle, and Fetch Rover
SOURCE: NASA Mission Study (transmitted from George J. Tahu, NASA Planetary
Science Division)
Scientific Objectives
• Retrieve sample cache deposited on surface by Mars
Astrobiology Explorer‐Cacher rover
• Collect, document, and package regolith and atmosphere
samples at the lander location
• Launch collected samples into Mars orbit for retrieval by
the Mars Sample Return Orbiter
• Key science themes:
– None
Key Parameters
• Instrumentation:
– Lander: 3 lander cameras, 1 robotic arm camera, 1
sample insertion camera, 2 descent cameras
– Fetch Rover: 4 navigation cameras, 4 hazard cameras
• One x 2.8 m diameter (6.2 m 2 ) Ultraflex solar array on
lander
• One x 2.7 m 2 Fetch Rover array
• Mars Assent Vehicle: 300 kg, two‐stage solid rocket
• Launch Mass: 4486 kg
• Launch Date: 2024 (on Atlas V 551)
• Orbit: Type I transfer direct to Mars surface
– 15° S to 25° N latitude
Key Challenges
• Sample Retrieval Speed
– Fetch Rover traverse speed, autonomy, and available
power
– Size of Mars Sample Return lander error ellipse
– Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) life under thermal cycling
conditions
• Sampler Transfer
– Transfer of sample cache to MAV
– Transfer of lander sample to MAV
• Mars Ascent Vehicle Design Uncertainty
– Alternate concepts under consideration
• Sample Collection and Packaging on Lander
– Lack of maturity of lander sample collection concept
Key Cost Element Comparison
Cost Risk Analysis S‐Curve
PREPUBLICATION COPY—SUBJECT TO FURTHER EDITORIAL CORRECTION
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