Application of Magnetohydrodynamic Energy Generation to Planetary Entry Vehicles

Abstract

Proposed missions such as a Mars sample return mission and a human mission to Mars require landed payload masses in excess of any previous Mars mission. Whether human or robotic, these missions present numerous engineering challenges due to their increased mass and complexity. To overcome these challenges, new technologies must be developed, and existing technologies advanced. Mass reducing technologies are particularly critical in this effort. The proposed work aims to study the suitability of multi-pass entry trajectories for reclaiming of vehicle kinetic energy through magnetohydrodynamic power generation from the high temperature entry plasma. Potential mission and power storage configurations are explored, with results including recommended trajectories, amount of kinetic energy reclaimed, and additional system mass for various energy storage technologies.