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Mars science helicopter: Compelling science enabled by an aerial platform

Jonathan Bapst·Timothy J Parker·J Balaram·T Tzanetos·L. H. Matthies·C D Edwards·Aaron Freeman·S Withrow-Maser·W. Carter Johnson·E Amador-French·Janice L. Bishop·Ingrid J. Daubar·Colin M. Dundas·Abigail A. Fraeman·Christopher W. Hamilton·C. Hardgrove·Briony H. N. Horgan·C. W. Leung·Y. Lin·A Mittelholz·Ben P. Weiss
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Abstract

This whitepaper describes two conceptual vehicle designs, including possible tradeoffs within those designs, which would enable a wide array of innovative science investigations. In addition to describing vehicle capabilities, flight characteristics, and the breadth of enabled science for the two helicopter designs, we also introduce three mission concepts that showcase investigations made possible by MSH. We conclude with recommendations concerning the future of rotorcraft exploration at Mars.

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Jonathan Bapst, Timothy J Parker, J Balaram, T Tzanetos, L. H. Matthies, C D Edwards, Aaron Freeman, S Withrow-Maser, W. Carter Johnson, E Amador-French, Janice L. Bishop, Ingrid J. Daubar, Colin M. Dundas, Abigail A. Fraeman, Christopher W. Hamilton, C. Hardgrove, Briony H. N. Horgan, C. W. Leung, Y. Lin, A Mittelholz, Ben P. Weiss. 2021-03-18. Mars science helicopter: Compelling science enabled by an aerial platform. https://doi.org/10.3847/25c2cfeb.a126aea0

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