Small Mars satellite: A low-cost system for Mars exploration

The Small Mars Satellite (SMS) is a low-cost mission to Mars, currently under feasibility studyfunded by the European Space Agency (ESA). The mission, whose estimated cost iswithin 120 MEuro,aims at delivering a smallLandertoMars using an innovativedeployable(umbrella-like)heat shield concept, known as IRENE (Italian ReEntry NacellE), developed and patented by ALI S.c.a.r.l., which is also the project's prime contractor. The Lander includes two small payloads, i.e.,a dust particle analyzer and an aerial drone. The former isbased on an instrument, developed by the Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte (INAF-OAC), performing in-situ measurementsof the size distribution and abundance of dust particles suspended in the Martian atmosphere. The drone is being designed by the University of Naples and aims at demonstratingthe feasibility of low-altitude flight in the Martian atmosphere. The project also involves the Space Studies Institute of Catalonia (IEEC), responsible for launch and trajectory design. In the paper, we illustrate the results of the feasibility study of SMS, including adescription of themissionprofile, launch and escape phases, interplanetary trajectory, Mars approach, entry, descent and landing (EDL),and payload deployment and operations. The current baseline envisages launching to LEO with VEGA. Then, a dedicated propulsion module will provide a series of apogee raising maneuvers to place the vehicle on thehyperbolictrajectory to Mars. A targeting maneuver, provided by a cruise stage,will direct the spacecraft to the atmospheric entry point providing initial conditions suitable for the deployment of the heat shield. This will provideaballistic coefficientmuch lower than in previousMarsmissions, thus allowing to reach subsonic conditionswithoutthe use of a supersonic parachute. To demonstrate this, EDL and aero-thermo-dynamic analysesare performed with a 3-DoF modelof the entry trajectoryand high fidelityCFD and DSMC analysis tools. Finally,particular attention is devoted to the description of the deployable shield technology and verification.