A report proposes the use of lightweight balloon-borne instrumentation systems for exploration in the vicinity of a lander on the surface of Mars. Each system would comprise instrumentation with a mass of about 0.2 kg and a balloon with a mass of about 0.8 kg and volume of about 50 m3. The balloons would be inflated with H2 or He by use of an apparatus based on the automatic inflation equipment used on Earth to launch weather balloons. Of course, the apparatus would incorporate special design features to ensure successful launches in the thin, cold, windy Martian atmosphere and to minimize damage to balloons on the rock-strewn Martian terrain.
This work was done by James Cutts and Andre Yavrouian of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the report, "Mars Microballoon for Multiple Ground Launched Deployments New Technology Report," access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Physical Sciences category. NPO-20634
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Small balloons for local aerial exploration of Mars
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Overview
The document discusses the development of small balloon systems for aerial exploration of Mars, focusing on their potential to provide imaging, in situ measurements, and communications support for rover missions. The need for such systems arises from NASA's new architecture for Mars exploration, which emphasizes the deployment of multiple small aerial vehicles.
Key challenges in designing balloon missions for Mars include the thin Martian atmosphere, which has a density of only 10 to 15 g/m³, making it difficult to achieve buoyancy with lightweight payloads. Early concepts envisioned balloons with a floating mass of around 100 kg, but recent advancements have led to designs for microballoons with volumes as small as 50 m³, floating masses of 1 kg, and payloads of 0.2 kg. The document highlights the use of extendable balloon skins that can be inflated without rupturing, allowing for efficient deployment from the Martian surface.
The proposed autonomous balloon launch system can deploy several microballoons using a single inflation system. This system utilizes a wind sock for rapid inflation, minimizing the risk of damage during deployment. The launch system is equipped with inflation tanks containing helium or hydrogen and a manifold for multiple microballoons. Communication between the balloons and the launch system is facilitated by a data relay system, allowing for data transmission rates of up to 1 Mbps over distances of 10 km.
The primary scientific instrument for these missions is a compact digital camera capable of achieving high-resolution images from several hundred meters above the Martian surface. The document also discusses the integration of avionics, including an ultra-low power microprocessor to manage the operation of cameras and other functions.
Overall, the document outlines a promising approach to utilizing small balloon systems for Mars exploration, addressing key technical challenges and leveraging recent advancements in technology to enable effective aerial observation and data collection. This innovative concept aims to enhance our understanding of Mars while operating within the constraints of its unique atmospheric conditions.
