DLR's COMARS+ sensor suite for New Frontiers-4 and Discovery Competed Missions
Project Description
This CIF will evaluate the viability by answering the following questions. Are the as-flown COMARS+ sensors and the backshell entry environment of the NF-4 and Discovery missions (Saturn, Venus, Titan and sample return) compatible? If not, can the sensors be modified by DLR to meet the backshell environment in a timely manner? Finally, is it feasible to accommodate the COMARS+ sensor on backshell for these NASA missions? Since the TPS for each of these mission design might use different materials, assessing accommodation is part of determining viability. This proposal PI has started engaging some of the NF-4 and Discovery-2014 competed proposals as shown in the attached advocacy letters.
More »Anticipated Benefits
Uncertainties in aerothermal environment predictions and a lack of flight-validated thermal response models translate to both risk and excessive mass margin in planetary entry vehicle's thermal protection systems (TPS). This knowledge gap adversely impacts both the heatshield and backshell TPS designs
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, California |
| European Space Agency (ESA) | Supporting Organization | International Space Agency | Paris, Outside the United States, France |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
