Abstract - A long tether connects a Martian orbiter to a small probe orbiting in the dense atmosphere of the planet. The minimum altitude reachable by the probe is estimated based upon considerations of dynamic stability, tether temperature, resistance of the tether material, and propellant consumption required to maintain a constant orbital altitude. The results obtained by means of a static-force model are then verified by dynamics simulation carried out by using a lumped-mass computer code. The scientific applications of this tethered system include probing of the Martian upper atmosphere and gravity mapping of the planet carried out by collecting gradiometric data from the probe. Another application involves the release of Martian rovers and penetrators from the probe at low altitude. Copyright © 1990 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Low Altitude Tethered Mars Probe
LORENZINI, ENRICO;
1990
Abstract
Abstract - A long tether connects a Martian orbiter to a small probe orbiting in the dense atmosphere of the planet. The minimum altitude reachable by the probe is estimated based upon considerations of dynamic stability, tether temperature, resistance of the tether material, and propellant consumption required to maintain a constant orbital altitude. The results obtained by means of a static-force model are then verified by dynamics simulation carried out by using a lumped-mass computer code. The scientific applications of this tethered system include probing of the Martian upper atmosphere and gravity mapping of the planet carried out by collecting gradiometric data from the probe. Another application involves the release of Martian rovers and penetrators from the probe at low altitude. Copyright © 1990 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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