ESA title
Science & Exploration

Entry, descent and landing

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ESA / Science & Exploration / Human and Robotic Exploration / Exploration

Since two Aurora flagship missions will involve landing on the surface of Mars, it is necessary to develop the technologies needed to meet those drastic challenges. ExoMars will make use of the airbag technology that is still to be matured in Europe whilst Mars Sample Return and future manned missions will require to improve our understanding of high speed re-entry so as to enable a safe return of the Martian samples or of the crew on Earth.

Click on an activity below to read a summary of the purpose and scope of this activity. Where possible, the final summary report of any completed activities can be obtained here.

ExoMars Specific

Alternative descent and landing technologies

Mars Sample Return Specific

Delta qualification testing of TPS ablators
Multifunctional integrated structures based on hollow spheres
Aerothermodynamics of aerocapture and high speed Earth re-entry
Shock tube aerochemistry measurement techniques: development of high entry velocity chemical kinetics
Plasma testing of heat shield concepts for high speed Earth entry
Lightweight landing legs for MSR lander

Generic Exploration Technologies