Thermal Architecture of A Conceptual Mars Sample Return Lander during Cruise and on Mars
A Pre-Project team is currently studying a conceptual Mars Sample Return (MSR) architecture that would return samples collected by Mars 2020 to Earth. The basic architecture comprises of acquisition of these samples using a sample retrieval lander (SRL), which also would also house the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) and Sample Fetch Rover (SFR). The MAV would put the orbiting sample container (OS) in a Martian orbit, which would then rendezvous with an Earth return orbiter (ERO) and be sent to Earth. This paper focuses on the SRL portion of the potential MSR campaign. The thermal architecture of this mission during cruise to Mars presents several challenges that pertain to the thermal control of the spacecraft and the lander/MAV/rover throughout cruise under varying thermal environments & operating conditions. Additionally, the control of these systems within their allowable operating temperature limits on the Martian surface is very challenging because of the large fluctuations in the environment, operating conditions and limited electrical power and energy availability. This paper will describe the thermal architecture for a potential SRL mission, the key thermal requirements and interfaces.It should be noted that the decision to implement MSR will not be finalized until NASA’s completion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. This document is being made available for information purposes only.