MAX-C/ExoMars, Dual NASA/ESA rovers slated for 2018 launch |
MAX-C/ExoMars, Dual NASA/ESA rovers slated for 2018 launch |
Mar 18 2010, 08:25 AM
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Member Group: Members Posts: 239 Joined: 18-December 07 From: New York Member No.: 3982 |
In case anyone doesn't know the 22nd MEPAG meeting is going on March 17th and 18th.
On the presentations posted for the first day there is one titled "Mars Sample Return (three element architecture)." On the 5th slide it states that during to the "Team X" study, the aeroshell was increased in diameter from 4.5m to 4.7m in order to accommodate both MAX-C and ExoMars together. I took a look at the specifications for the Atlas 5 launch vehicle and found on page 6-4 and 6-21 that the maximum diameter of the payload bay was 4.572m. Is it possible to fit a 4.7m aeroshell in a 4.572m payload bay? I know this mission is still in the early planning stage and that these numbers should be taken with a huge grain of salt; but this looks like a pretty big oversight. |
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Mar 18 2010, 11:02 AM
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Senior Member Group: Admin Posts: 3108 Joined: 21-December 05 From: Canberra, Australia Member No.: 615 |
Thanks for the reference to that Atlas V document. Makes for some interesting reading.
I'd say that we can have confidence they will work out PLF vs Payload and make it work. One thing I find interesting in that document is the mix of use of inches, feet, millimetres and metres (meters). Obviously doesn't help when trying to work out what fits into what when they mix and round off so often on their quoted figures. I guess that as this is a document cleared for the public, the detailed specs provided to customers might be a bit more specific. |
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