Conceptual study and key technology development for Mars Aeroflyby sample collection

•Conceptual study of Mars Aeroflyby Sample Collection (MASC) is conducted.•The vehicle is designed to collect dust samples during a guided hypersonic flight.•The MASC system is found to be feasible at the minimum mass of 600 kg.•The sample collector is designed by using the aerogel to capture dust samples.•The aerogel is demonstrated by arc heating and particle impingement tests.

Conceptual study of Mars Aeroflyby Sample Collection (MASC) is conducted as a part of the next Mars exploration mission currently entertained in Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. In the mission scenario, an atmospheric entry vehicle is flown into the Martian atmosphere, collects the Martian dust particles as well as atmospheric gases during the guided hypersonic flight, exits the Martian atmosphere, and is inserted into a parking orbit from which a return system departs for the earth to deliver the dust and gas samples. In order to accomplish a controlled flight and a successful orbit insertion, aeroassist orbit transfer technologies are introduced into the guidance and control system. System analysis is conducted to assess the feasibility and to make a conceptual design, finding that the MASC system is feasible at the minimum system mass of 600 kg approximately. The aerogel, which is one of the candidates for the dust sample collector, is assessed by arcjet heating tests to examine its behavior when exposed to high-temperature gases, as well as by particle impingement tests to evaluate its dust capturing capability.