Strategies for Landing Large Ballistic Coefficient Vehicles on Mars

Abstract

Large ballistic coefficient entry, descent, and landing vehicles are likely required to achieve more ambitious exploration goals at Mars. This paper investigates strategies for safe landing on Mars for vehicles with large ballistic coefficients, with a focus on maintaining sufficient altitude for terminal descent. Specifically, requirements and guidance strategies for the use of aerodynamic lift in the hypersonic regime are assessed over a range of ballistic coefficients. Results indicate that, for moderately high ballistic coefficients, judicious use of lift may allow safe landing. These strategies may be applicable to future large-scale robotic or human entry, descent, and landing architectures.