Masters Theses
Abstract
"The goal of this study was the optimization of the mission design of a Mars mission with regenerative aerobraking as the design focus. The concept of regenerative aerobraking involves using the energy that is lost during aerobraking to benefit the mission. At high velocities, the atmosphere of Mars ionizes around the spacecraft. During this time period electrons can be gathered and significant amounts of power generated. Also, oxygen can be extracted from CO2, once the oxygen is stripped from the hot CO2. This oxygen can be collected and used on the surface of Mars by astronauts. The focus of this study was to identify and characterize the relevant metrics required to design the aerobraking process. An initial analysis was conducted to evaluate the trade-off between the number of aerobraking passes versus the depth of each pass in generating power and oxygen"--Abstract, page iii.
Advisor(s)
Pernicka, Hank
Committee Member(s)
Riggins, David W.
McAdams, Daniel A.
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Degree Name
M.S. in Aerospace Engineering
Publisher
University of Missouri--Rolla
Publication Date
Spring 2006
Pagination
x, 41 pages
Note about bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (page 41).
Geographic Coverage
Mars (Planet)
Rights
© 2006 Doublas Robert Tolbert, All rights reserved.
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted Access
File Type
text
Language
English
Subject Headings
Space flight to Mars
Space vehicles -- Atmospheric braking
Space vehicles -- Design and construction
Thesis Number
T 8963
Print OCLC #
85479614
Link to Catalog Record
Electronic access to the full-text of this document is restricted to Missouri S&T users. Otherwise, request this publication directly from Missouri S&T Library or contact your local library.
http://merlin.lib.umsystem.edu/record=b5790541~S5Recommended Citation
Tolbert, Douglas Robert, "Orbit optimization for regenerative aerobraking at Mars" (2006). Masters Theses. 3873.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/3873
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