Long-Endurance Mars Exploration Flying Vehicle: A Project Brief

Abstract

The paper presents specifications for the Long-Endurance Mars Exploration Flying Vehicle (LEMFEV), which will be used as future design input data. The specifications are based on the analysis of previous Mars missions and scientific data collected by the operating Martian probes. The design specifications include the requirements related to the airplane’s delivery to the Martian surface; the requirements related to the Martian conditions (atmosphere and climate); and the requirements related to the scientific payload parameters and the mission flight profile.

Architectural Framework and Feasibility of Internet of Things-Driven Mars Exploration via Satellite Constellations

“…These nodes share characteristics with terrestrial IoT nodes with LPWAN satellite communications, such as long battery life, low cost, and miniaturization. However, they must have enhanced protection against space radiation on Mars compared to Earth [21], as well as the problems associated with dust storms [22], extreme temperature [23], and high space radiation due to the lack of a magnetic field [24] and its tenuous atmosphere [25]. In that sense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is making significant efforts to adopt IoT for space applications [11].…”

“…The Mars Science Laboratory mission also included these IoT nodes and systems must be designed and tested meticulously to ensure their reliability and performance even under extreme conditions. They use materials and components that resist radiation and the vacuum of space [22]. To prevent operational problems, internal thermal control and specific protection systems are implemented [11,23].…”

“…On Mars, weather data can be collected through stations such as the Environmental Rover Monitoring Station (REMS) or the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) on rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance. This would help gather meteorological information from different areas of the planet and improve the detection of adverse weather conditions, like dust storms, which can cause harm to electronic systems [22], human habitats, and missions. Conversely, higher altitude orbits benefit from longer, more stable communication windows.…”

Coupled Aerodynamics–Structure Analysis and Wind Tunnel Experiments on Passive Hinge Oscillation of Wing-Tip-Chained Airplanes

“…Typical cases could include when an unmanned airplane needs to be fit into a tight confined space. For example, Mars explorers have a high demand for efficiency due to Mars's thin atmosphere while they are required to fit into the atmosphere entry capsule [5,6]. Another example is search-and-rescue drones for disasters, where fixed-wing unmanned aircrafts with a longer range than typical multirotors are useful [7], but compactness will be important for rapid transportation and handling by rescuers.…”