X. Roser, V. Martinot, D. Rebuffat, P. Arfi

The next major objectives of automatic planetary exploration are: first the search for life or any Earth life precursor, with major targets like Mars and Near Earth Asteroids (NEA). In a second step, the manned exploration aiming at the ultimate landing on Mars will certainly undertakes a first step through a return on the Moon. Alcatel Alenia Space is the major prime of ESA exploration missions. Thanks to high expertise acquired through the successful HUYGENS probe (the only successful European planetary landing), Alcatel Alenia Space has been awarded the responsibility of ESA next exploration flagship mission: EXOMARS will land a large rover on Mars and perform ground samples collection and analysis at high depth (2m) for the first time on Mars; this in depth drilling makes possible the search of life. Alcatel Alenia Space is now performing detailed assessments of the future automated missions (NEA and Mars Sample Return- MSR) and the planned manned missions (Moon and Mars). The required technologies are in preparation within Alcatel Alenia Space and its major partners, with space national and European agencies support, covering: planetary accurate entry and descent, soft landing, Earth Re-entry capsule, autonomous orbit rendez-vous, automated sample canister capture and transfer ... Alcatel Alenia Space is following an effective technology development plan including ground test facilities, prototypes and a Moon demonstration mission, complete rehearsal of Mars Sample Return. The lunar-based demonstration mission essentially built around a lunar smart Lander, an orbiter to demonstrate the autonomous Rendezvous with the sample canister around the Moon, and an Earth Re-entry capsule. The orbiter will carry the Lander and the Earth Re-entry capsule; the complete composite will be launched with SOYUZ. The unmanned overall mission scenario demonstrates 30 years of progress in automation compared to APOLLO 11. This scenario demonstrates major advantages: -) it prepares both Mars Sample Return and Moon Manned Mission -) it is the most affordable technology validation scenario (from a wide range of analysed options) -) the Lander with its instruments will be able to perform a reconnaissance of the landing site of the first manned mission.

DGLR Symposium "To Moon and Beyond", 2007, Bremen

Conference Paper

englisch

A4, 6 Seiten

DGLR-Bericht, 2007, 2007-02, To Moon and Beyond; S.1-6; 2007; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V., Bonn

NA

Aufsatz in getr. Zählung;

Bibliothek

2007