Astrobotic conducting NASA JPL Mars mission studies
Astrobotic, a leading commercial space company, has taken a significant step towards supporting NASA’s ambitious Mars exploration goals. The company has been selected by NASA’s Mars Exploration Program to conduct two pivotal studies aimed at enabling value for money and frequent missions to the Red Planet.
These groundbreaking studies will delve into commercial payload delivery and surface imaging services, exploring innovative ways to facilitate future scientific missions to Mars. By using Astrobotic’s expertise and capabilities, NASA is paving the way for a new era of Mars exploration, characterized by increased efficiency and affordability.
Astrobotic’s mission has always been rooted in making space accessible to the world, and these studies toward Mars represent a natural progression in that journey. John Thornton, Astrobotic’s CEO, expressed excitement about this opportunity, stating, “We will investigate modifying our current lunar capabilities for use around Mars and examine how our systems can further support NASA’s Moon to Mars Strategy.”
The company is collaborating with esteemed institutions like Arizona State University (ASU) and Malin Space Science Systems to bring their collective expertise to the table. ASU’s faculty, staff, and students are thrilled to contribute their significant scientific, engineering, and operational experience in NASA robotic Mars missions to these groundbreaking studies.
Jim Bell, Professor in ASU’s School of Earth and Space Exploration, Director of ASU’s NewSpace Initiative, and a leader or deputy leader on camera teams for NASA’s Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance Mars rovers, expressed enthusiasm for the innovative approach. “Innovative, lower-cost, but still scientifically robust cameras and other instruments have the potential to substantially advance the pace of exploration and discovery on the Red Planet,” he said.
To adapt its systems for Mars exploration, Astrobotic is focusing on modifying its current lunar lander design, the Griffin-class lander. This versatile lander, initially developed for lunar missions, will undergo a series of technological adaptations to meet the unique challenges posed by the Martian environment.
One of the primary challenges is the increased entry, descent, and landing (EDL) requirements for Mars. The Griffin lander will be equipped with a robust heat shield and specialized propulsion systems to withstand the intense heat and atmospheric conditions during entry into the Martian atmosphere. Additionally, advanced guidance and navigation systems will be integrated to ensure precise landing on the Red Planet’s rugged terrain.
Astrobotic is also exploring the integration of advanced power systems to sustain operations on Mars. The harsh Martian environment, with its extreme temperature fluctuations and reduced solar radiation, necessitates robust and efficient energy solutions. The company is considering the use of radioisotope power systems or advanced solar arrays coupled with energy storage technologies to ensure reliable and consistent power supply for the lander and its payloads.
Furthermore, the lander’s design will be optimized for the Martian gravity and surface conditions. This may involve adjustments to the lander’s structural components, landing gear, and mobility systems to ensure stable operations on the Martian surface. Astrobotic is also investigating the potential integration of robotic arms or manipulators to facilitate payload deployment and surface operations.
In addition to the lander modifications, Astrobotic is collaborating with ASU and Malin Space Science Systems to develop advanced imaging systems tailored for Mars exploration. These systems will leverage cutting-edge technologies to capture high-resolution images and gather valuable data about the Martian surface, contributing to scientific discoveries and mission planning.
By embracing these technological adaptations, Astrobotic aims to pave the way for economical yet valuable and frequent missions to Mars, opening up new opportunities for scientific exploration and fostering a deeper understanding of the Red Planet.