Mars surface sample return tradeoff studies
Abstract
Results of tradeoff studies concerning the Mars Surface Sample Return (MSSR) mission are presented. Factors considered include: Mars mission opportunities in the 1980-1990 time frame; design features of the hardware systems used to return the sample; minimization of probability of back contamination; direct entry of the returning sample capsule at earth vs. orbital capture of the capsule for recovery by the shuttle; and possibility of increasing the landed weight at Mars to support MSSR mission modes involving heavier systems.
- Publication:
-
Martin Marietta Corp. Report
- Pub Date:
- October 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975mmc..reptR.....
- Keywords:
-
- Mars Sample Return Missions;
- Mars Surface;
- Mission Planning;
- Samples;
- Tradeoffs;
- Contamination;
- Design Analysis;
- Space Shuttles;
- Spacecraft Recovery;
- Astrodynamics