Things are heating up on the this front with a recent prototype test. It is time to make a thread :
From Wiki, to be used as a primer :
Mangalyaan-2 ("Mars-craft", from Sanskrit: मंगल mangal, "Mars" and यान yān, "craft, vehicle"), is India's second interplanetary mission planned for launch to Mars by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). As per some reports emerged, the mission was to be an orbiter to Mars proposed for 2024. However, in a recorded interview in October 2019, VSSC director has indicated the inclusion of a lander and rover. The orbiter will use aero-braking to lower its initial apoapsis and enter into an orbit more suitable for observations.
In a podcast recording VSSC director Dr. S. Somanath in October 2019, it was reported the architecture for mission is yet to be finalised and may also have a lander and rover. There has been no timeline announced however.
ISRO's recently released Annual Report 2019-20 says :
RH300 MkII/IAD Technology Demonstration : Realisation of IAD system in Poly-chloroprene coated Kevlar fabric is in progress. Inflation system configuration has been carried out. The flight was targeted by the end of 2019.
IAD stands for Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator, otherwise known as Aerodynamic Decelerator Atmospheric-entry Module (ADAM). The system is being designed jointly by VSSC and IIST for deployment off of a Mars orbiter. More about ADAM :
Here is what it looks like :
Pretty cool huh ?
From Wiki, to be used as a primer :
Mangalyaan-2 ("Mars-craft", from Sanskrit: मंगल mangal, "Mars" and यान yān, "craft, vehicle"), is India's second interplanetary mission planned for launch to Mars by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). As per some reports emerged, the mission was to be an orbiter to Mars proposed for 2024. However, in a recorded interview in October 2019, VSSC director has indicated the inclusion of a lander and rover. The orbiter will use aero-braking to lower its initial apoapsis and enter into an orbit more suitable for observations.
In a podcast recording VSSC director Dr. S. Somanath in October 2019, it was reported the architecture for mission is yet to be finalised and may also have a lander and rover. There has been no timeline announced however.
ISRO's recently released Annual Report 2019-20 says :
RH300 MkII/IAD Technology Demonstration : Realisation of IAD system in Poly-chloroprene coated Kevlar fabric is in progress. Inflation system configuration has been carried out. The flight was targeted by the end of 2019.
IAD stands for Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator, otherwise known as Aerodynamic Decelerator Atmospheric-entry Module (ADAM). The system is being designed jointly by VSSC and IIST for deployment off of a Mars orbiter. More about ADAM :
- ADAM is an atmospheric entry module that delivers safely micro/mini probes/payloads to Martian surface, weighing from minimum 5 kg to 15 kg net weight relevant for small scale researchers and explorers.
- Conceptualized as a stretched sphere (tear drop shape during its atmospheric entry) and the rear cone separates out during the parachute deployment transforming the module to a sphere.
- This sphere drops down decelerating, aided with three thrusters to bring down the velocity to near zero value for a safer touchdown.
- Visco-elastic damping materials serves as shock absorbers to prevent impact load transfer to the payload inside.
- Outer aeroshell in the shape of a stretched sphere (tear drop shape)
- Multiple layer of Thermal Protection System (TPS)
- Visco-elastic shock absorbing layer
- Decelerator system consisting of parachute and thrusters
- Concept is analogous to advent of mini-satellites when larger spacecrafts of agencies reign the space arena.
- Small scale space enthusiasts can enter planetary exploration via such small payload delivery systems
- Maximum deceleration: 11.5 m/s (3.28 ‘g’)
- Altitude of maximum deceleration: 20.40 km from surface
- Velocity at maximum deceleration: 491.93 m/s
- Maximum dynamic pressure: 880 Pa
- Drag force at maximum deceleration: 180 N
- Altitude of maximum heating: 8.20 km from surface
- Maximum heating rate: 3033 Watt/sqm (lesser than the space capsule recovery experiment heating rate as achieved by ISRO in earth atmosphere)
Here is what it looks like :
Pretty cool huh ?