The Aurora Mars Sample Return Mission

Abstract

The paper reports the results of an ESA internal assessment study of a Mars Sample Return mission. The mission architecture proposed by the study foresees two Ariane 5 ESC-A launches in 2011 bringing two separate composite spacecrafts to Mars. The composite launched as first, features an Orbiter inserted into low Mars orbit and an Earth Return Capsule. The Orbiter acts as Data Relay in the communications between Mars surface and Earth and performs a rendezvous with a Mars Ascent Vehicle (part of the second launch) carrying the sample container from Mars surface. The second composite has a Carrier and a Descent Module for landing the Mars Ascent Vehicle and the platform that performs the sample collection. The entry into Mars atmosphere is from hyperbolic interplanetary trajectory. After sample collection, the sample is sealed within a container and the container is transferred to the Mars Ascent Vehicle that carries it into Mars orbit. There, the upper stage of the ascent vehicle docks to the Orbiter. The sample container is mechanically transferred inside the Orbiter to the Earth Return Capsule. When all these operations have been performed, the Orbiter returns back to Earth and after the sealing of the container has been checked, releases the Earth Return Capsule into an Earth re-entry trajectory. The Earth Return Capsule, designed for a parachute-less descent and a hard landing, is finally recovered. The paper describes the trade-offs leading to the selected mission architecture and the design of all the elements and the operations of the mission.