Development Concepts for Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) Solid and Hybrid Vehicle Systems

Abstract: Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) Study Introduction: Previous Studies -Solid, liquid and hybrid rocket propulsion feasibility studies since 2011 -Focus on hybrid rocket propulsion since 2016; Reassessing Propulsion Systems for Risk Reduction – Liquid propulsion vehicle found to not be feasible; Challenges -An autonomous return mission has never been done -Mars surface environments -Platform packaging limitations -Performance and trajectory requirements; Study Team -MSFC’s Advanced Concepts Office (A…