Engineering topics
Powell, G. E.
Publications and source records attributed to Powell, G. E..
The Mars Microprobe Mission: A Unique Solution for Network Science
The second deep-space advanced technology validation mission in NASA's New Millenium Program will demonstrate planetary microprobe technologies. Two microporobes, each consisting of a very low-mass aeroshell and penetrator system, are planned to be launched in January 1999 and arrive at at Mars in December 1999... This paper will summarize the engineering techniques that will be implemented to provide safe landing and operation of the Mars microprobe in its unique environment. This paper will also summarize some key mission and system design trades, as well as discuss some of the technologies being developed.
Balloon Experiment at Venus
NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory is designing a return mission to the Venusian atmosphere using a reversible fluid altitude control balloon called Balloon Experiment at Venus (BEV). This is a proposed NASA flight experiment to demonstrate key technologies for operation of advanced balloons in the atmosphere of Venus. This paper includes both the mission profile and system description of the proposed BEV concept.
Aerovehicles for Planetary Exploration
Planetary aerobots are described. They are a new type of lightweight and low-cost telerobot that use phase change fluids to ascend and descend, thus allowing data acquisition from multiple sites. Potential near-term missions discussed include those to Venus, Mars, and Titan. Similarities are discussed for missions in the Earth atmosphere and deep sea.