Entry descent and landing systems for future missions

In 2005, the Huygens probe, designed by Thales Alenia Space, France, successfully completed its entry and descent in Titan's atmosphere. In the frame of the Aurora Exploration Program, ESA has initiated industrial studies for the ExoMars mission. The Thales Alenia Space France-led consortium was awarded the contract for the design, development and manufacturing of the Entry and Descent System under Thales Alenia Space—Italy mission prime. Huygens and ExoMars constitute major European milestones in the field of atmospheric entry and descent. Eight out of the ten bodies larger than Mercury in the Solar System have a significant atmosphere to descent in, either to reach a solid surface, or to explore the atmosphere itself. The gained experience in Entry Descent and Landing design will enhance European industry capability to contribute to future planetary exploration missions. This paper assesses the different environments and conditions that Entry Descent and Landing Systems will meet. It discusses how Europe's Huygens and ExoMars experience will apply in such environments and identifies the critical technologies needed to complement it. It concludes on the elements of a roadmap for the related technological development.