Low Cost Mission Technologies - This technology area supports all future Mars missions, and specifically focuses on Scout missions which are competed by NASA. Several different technologies are needed to enable various types of low cost missions to be developed and flown.
While not all potentially beneficial technologies have been solicited or funded, the following classes of technologies were considered for funding, and several promising candidates selected.
Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) for small entry probes
Small entry probes present unique challenges since their severe mass, power, and volume constraints generally mean less accurate EDL capabilities than larger systems currently envisioned in the future Mars Exploration Program (MEP). Therefore, increasing the EDL capabilities of small probes could lead to future breakthroughs in low cost missions.
Lightweight propulsion components
The propulsion system constitutes a large fraction of any low cost mission mass. Reducing the mass and power of the propulsion system allows more payload and more science to be accomplished. Examples of important propulsion system technologies are low mass tanks, filters, regulators, and valves. Optimized thrusters for lower mass systems require lower minimum impulse bit control. Finally, increases in propellant performance (Isp) would reduce the required propellant mass.
Aerial vehicle technology
Aerial vehicles (defined here as airplanes and balloons) require robust, lightweight deployment technologies. For this class of low cost missions, deployment most likely occurs during the descent phase. Also critical to this type of low cost mission is guidance and navigation during the atmospheric flight.
Mars Surface Solar Power Technologies
Landers, rovers, and aerial vehicles will benefit from technologies that will increase power levels and prolong the useful life of space solar power systems. Technologies to provide high efficiency solar cell system, as well as practical (low power, low mass) dust mitigation techniques, are included.
Point of Contact: Chester Chu
