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33 pages, 3429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aerocapture: Enabling Small Spacecraft Direct Access to Low-Circular Orbits for Planetary Constellations

by Athul Pradeepkumar Girija, Sarag J. Saikia and James M. Longuski

Aerospace 2023, 10(3), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace10030271 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2881

Small satellite constellations in multiple-inclination, low-circular orbits around Mars and Venus have the potential to perform a range of high-value science investigations within cost-constrained missions. A major challenge for small satellites is that they require large

Δ V

to enter low-circular orbits, which [...] Read more.

Δ V

to enter low-circular orbits, which can drive up both spacecraft mass and cost. Compared to chemical propulsion, which requires large amounts of propellant, and electric propulsion, which requires large solar arrays and comes with long flight times, aerocapture enables direct access to low-circular orbits at Mars and Venus with minimal

Δ V

. The study shows how drag-modulation aerocapture, when combined with small B-plane targeting maneuvers, allows the delivery of multiple small satellites to various-inclination, low-circular orbits to establish a constellation. Preliminary cost estimates indicate that by reducing the required

Δ V

for orbit insertion, aerocapture can potentially reduce the cost of a small satellite going to a low-circular Mars orbit compared to propulsive insertion. The ability of low-cost spacecraft to enter planetary orbits will enable a new paradigm of interplanetary missions using small dedicated launch vehicles and planetary constellations at Mars and Venus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Astronautics & Space Science)

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14 pages, 19392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aerial Platform Design Options for a Life-Finding Mission at Venus

by Weston P. Buchanan, Maxim de Jong, Rachana Agrawal, Janusz J. Petkowski, Archit Arora, Sarag J. Saikia, Sara Seager, James Longuski and on behalf of the Venus Life Finder Mission Team

Aerospace 2022, 9(7), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace9070363 - 7 Jul 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3192

Abstract

Mounting evidence of chemical disequilibria in the Venusian atmosphere has heightened interest in the search for life within the planet’s cloud decks. Balloon systems are currently considered to be the superior class of aerial platform for extended atmospheric sampling within the clouds, providing the highest ratio of science return to risk. Balloon-based aerial platform designs depend heavily on payload mass and target altitudes. We present options for constant- and variable-altitude balloon systems designed to carry out science operations inside the Venusian cloud decks. The Venus Life Finder (VLF) mission study proposes a series of missions that require extended in situ analysis of Venus cloud material. We provide an overview of a representative mission architecture, as well as gondola designs to accommodate a VLF instrument suite. Current architecture asserts a launch date of 30 July 2026, which would place an orbiter and entry vehicle at Venus as early as November 29 of that same year. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Search for Signs of Life on Venus: Science Objectives and Mission Designs)

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16 pages, 4584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mission Architecture to Characterize Habitability of Venus Cloud Layers via an Aerial Platform

by Rachana Agrawal, Weston P. Buchanan, Archit Arora, Athul P. Girija, Maxim De Jong, Sara Seager, Janusz J. Petkowski, Sarag J. Saikia, Christopher E. Carr, David H. Grinspoon, James M. Longuski and on behalf of Venus Life Finder Mission Team

Aerospace 2022, 9(7), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace9070359 - 6 Jul 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5420

Abstract

Venus is known for its extreme surface temperature and its sulfuric acid clouds. But the cloud layers on Venus have similar temperature and pressure conditions to those on the surface of Earth and are conjectured to be a possible habitat for microscopic life forms. We propose a mission concept to explore the clouds of Venus for up to 30 days to evaluate habitability and search for signs of life. The baseline mission targets a 2026 launch opportunity. A super-pressure variable float altitude balloon aerobot cycles between the altitudes of 48 and 60 km, i.e., primarily traversing the lower, middle, and part of the upper cloud layers. The instrument suite is carried by a gondola design derived from the Pioneer Venus Large Probe pressure vessel. The aerobot transmits data via an orbiter relay combined with a direct-to-Earth link. The orbiter is captured into a 6-h retrograde orbit with a low, roughly 170-degree, inclination. The total mass of the orbiter and entry probe is estimated to be 640 kg. An alternate concept for a constant float altitude balloon is also discussed as a lower complexity option compared to the variable float altitude version. The proposed mission would complement other planned missions and could help elucidate the limits of habitability and the role of unknown chemistry or possibly life itself in the Venus atmosphere. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Search for Signs of Life on Venus: Science Objectives and Mission Designs)

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