Planetary Exploration Using CubeSat Deployed Sailplanes

TL;DR

This paper explores the design, deployment, and potential of CubeSat-sized sailplanes for planetary surface reconnaissance, aiming to fill the gap in mapping regions between orbiters and landers on planets like Mars.

Contribution

It presents detailed design principles, deployment technologies, atmospheric modeling, and feasibility analysis for autonomous sailplanes on Mars and other planets with atmospheres.

Findings

Feasibility of Mars sailplanes revisited with atmospheric modeling.

Design principles for autonomous surface reconnaissance sailplanes.

Pathways for laboratory prototypes and testing identified.

Abstract

Exploration of terrestrial planets such as Mars are conducted using orbiters, landers and rovers. Cameras and instruments onboard orbiters have enabled global mapping of Mars at low spatial resolution. Landers and rovers such as the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) carry state-of-the-art instruments to characterize small localized areas. This leaves a critical gap in exploration capabilities: mapping regions in the hundreds of kilometers range. In this paper, we extend our work on CubeSat-sized sailplanes with detailed design studies of different aircraft configurations and payloads, identifying generalized design principles for autonomous sailplane-based surface reconnaissance and science applications. We further analyze potential wing deployment technologies, including conventional inflatables with hardened membranes, use of composite inflatables, and quick-setting foam. We perform detailed modeling of the Martian atmosphere and possible flight patterns at Jerezo crater using the Mars Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (MRAMS) to provide realistic atmospheric conditions at the landing site for NASA's 2020 rover. We revisit the feasibility of the Mars Sailplane concept, comparing it to previously proposed solutions, and identifying pathways to build laboratory prototypes for high-altitude Earth based testing. Finally, our work will analyze the implications of this technology for exploring other planetary bodies with atmospheres, including Venus and Titan.