A Mars VTOL Aerobot - Preliminary Design, Dynamics and Control

Abstract

Abstract-In this paper, we propose the use of a novel fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aerobot. A mission profile to investigate the Isidis Planitia region of Mars is proposed based on the knowledge of the planet's geophysical characteristics, its atmosphere and terrain. The aerobot design is described from the aspects of vehicle selection, its propulsion system, power system, payload, thermal management, structure, mass budget, and control strategy and sensor suite. The aerobot proposed in this paper is believed to be a practical and realistic solution to the problem of investigating the Martian surface. A six-degreeof-freedom flight simulator has been created to support the aerobot design process by providing performance evaluations. The nonlinear dynamics is then linearized to a state-space formulation at a certain trimmed equilibrium point Basic autopilot modes are developed for the aerobot based on the linearized state-space model. The results of the simulation show the aerobot is stable and controllable.

Flight Control System for NASA's Mars Helicopter

“…Around the same time, a number of papers were published on the technical challenges of Mars rotorcraft [5][6][7][8], and an AHS International Student Design Competition was conducted on the topic [9,10]. Further work on the topic was conducted over the next decade at NASA Ames [11][12][13][14][15] and elsewhere [16,17].…”

Guidance and Control for a Mars Helicopter

“…Over the next decade-and-a-half, papers continued to be occasionally published by NASA Ames [10][11][12][13][14] on the topic of planetary aerial vehicles, both fixed-wing and vertical lift aerial vehicles. As time went on, papers by other authors, organizations, and countries began to be published on Mars rotorcraft and vertical lift planetary aerial vehicles [15,16].…”