Aerocapture is a technique which uses atmospheric drag to decelerate a spacecraft and
achieve nearly fuel-free orbit insertion from an interplanetary trajectory. The present study …

We present a case for the exploration of Venus as an astrobiology target—(1) investigations
focused on the likelihood that liquid water existed on the surface in the past, leading to the …

The ability to launch small secondary payloads to Mars on future science missions present
an exciting opportunity for demonstration of advanced technologies for planetary exploration …

Small satellite constellations in multiple-inclination, low-circular orbits around Mars and
Venus have the potential to perform a range of high-value science investigations within cost …

The study of planetary atmospheres is critical to our understanding of the origin and
evolution of the Solar System. The combined effect of various physical and chemical …

Over the history of planetary exploration, atmospheric entry vehicles have been used to
deliver probes and landers to Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Titan. While the entry vehicles are …

Aerocapture is the technique of using planetary atmospheres to decelerate a spacecraft in a
single pass to achieve nearly fuel-free orbit insertion. Aerocapture has been extensively …

Since the beginning of robotic interplanetary exploration nearly six decades ago, successful
atmospheric entry has been accomplished at Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Titan. More …

Aerocapture is a maneuver which uses aerodynamic drag to slow down a spacecraft in a
single pass through the atmosphere. All planetary orbiters to date have used propulsive orbit …

Thermal protection systems are a critical component of planetary exploration, enabling
probes to enter the atmosphere and perform in-situ measurements. The aero-thermal …