Instrumented splashdown testing of a scale model Titan Mare Explorer (TiME) capsule

Lorenz, R. D.; Hibbard, Kenneth; Paul, Michael; Walsh, Justin; Olds, David W.; Willits, Steven M.; Bierhaus, E. B.; Kretsch, W.

doi:10.1017/s0001924000010551

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Similar noisy signals are apparent in other guide-rail apparatus, e.g. Lorenz et al (2015). Integrating the oscillations in the accelerometer, data which vary in ampli-tude and frequency, indicates an uncertainty of about 0.04 m s −1 at an impact speed of 2 m s −1 and integrating again results in an oscillation in the vertical position of the baseplate of about 1 mm.…”

Section: Instrument Errorssupporting

confidence: 63%

Detection of structure in asteroid analogue materials and Titan’s regolith by a landing spacecraft

Paton

Green

Ball

et al. 2016

Advances in Space Research

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We compare measurements made by two impact penetrometers of different sizes and with different tip shapes to further understand penetrometer design for performing pentrometry on an asteroid. To this end we re-visit the interpretation of data from the Huygens' penetrometer, ACC-E, that impacted Titan's surface. In addition we investigate the potential of a spacecraft fitted with a penetrometer to bounce using a test rig, built at The Open University (UK).Analysis of ACC-E laboratory data, obtained from impacts into ∼4 mm diameter gravel, was found to produce an unusual decrease in resistance with depth (force-depth gradient) which was also seen in the Huygens' ACC-E data from Titan and originally interpreted as a wet or moist sand. The downward trend could also be reproduced in a hybrid Discrete Element Model (DEM) if it was assumed that the near surface particles are more readily * Corresponding author mobilised than those deeper in the target. With regard to penetrometer design penetration resistance was found to be sensitive to the ratio of particle to tip diameter. A clear trend was observed with a conical tip penetrometer, X-PEN, of decreasing force-depth gradients with increasing particle sizes most likely due to a transformation from a bulk displacement of material by the penetrating tip to more local interactions. ACC-E, which has a hemispherical tip, was found to produce a wider range of force-depth gradients than X-PEN, which had a conical tip, possibly due to difficulties dislodging jammed particles. Both penetrometers were able to determine particle diameter and mass after post-processing of the data.Laboratory simulations of landings with the test rig suggest that a large impact penetrometer under certain circumstances could absorb a significant amount of the elastic energy of the spacecraft possibly aiding landing. Alternatively a small impact penetrometer would allow the spacecraft to bounce freely off the surface to make a measurement at another location.

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Section: Instrument Errorssupporting

confidence: 63%

Detection of structure in asteroid analogue materials and Titan’s regolith by a landing spacecraft

Paton

Green

Ball

et al. 2016

Advances in Space Research

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“…Testing of a Fig. 4 Inertial representation of a sample tour based on a proposed 2029-2030 launch with two period-and inclination-management Titan flybys followed by a science phase with 6 Enceladus flybys and 17 Titan flybys [102] scale model of the proposed Titan Mare Explorer sea lander capsule has revealed important data regarding potential science operations and lander-lake dynamics [77,78]. Recent work proposes that a sea-lander could possibly not only float but also be able to propel itself utilizing mechanical tensegrity structures [38].…”

Section: Option 1: Titan Sea Landermentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploration of Enceladus and Titan: investigating ocean worlds’ evolution and habitability in the Saturn system

et al. 2021

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We present a White Paper with a science theme concept of ocean world evolution and habitability proposed in response to ESA’s Voyage 2050 Call with a focus on Titan and Enceladus in the Saturn system. Ocean worlds in the outer Solar System that possess subsurface liquid water oceans are considered to be prime targets for extra-terrestrial life and offer windows into Solar System evolution and habitability. The Cassini-Huygens mission to the Saturn system (2004–2017) revealed Titan with its organic-rich evolving world with terrestrial features and Enceladus with its active aqueous environment to be ideal candidates to investigate ocean world evolution and habitability. Additionally, this White Paper presents a baseline for a multiple flyby mission with a focused payload as an example of how ocean world evolution and habitability in the Saturn system could be investigated building on the heritage of the Cassini-Huygens mission and complementing the recently selected NASA Dragonfly mission.

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Study on the ditching of space capsules using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method

Sun

Shen

et al. 2023

Ocean Engineering

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Instrumented splashdown testing of a scale model Titan Mare Explorer (TiME) capsule

Cited by 5 publications

References 7 publications

Detection of structure in asteroid analogue materials and Titan’s regolith by a landing spacecraft

Detection of structure in asteroid analogue materials and Titan’s regolith by a landing spacecraft

Exploration of Enceladus and Titan: investigating ocean worlds’ evolution and habitability in the Saturn system

Study on the ditching of space capsules using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method

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