Development of a Remotely Operated Reentry Rover for Planetary Exploration

Planetary exploration missions are essential for advancing our understanding of the solar system, yet they face significant challenges in achieving safe atmospheric entry, precise landing, and effective surface mobility. This research addresses these challenges by designing a deployable reentry rover capable of transitioning from high-speed atmospheric entry to autonomous surface exploration, specifically tailored for Mars missions. The proposed system integrates advanced aerothermal shielding, a controlled descent mechanism, and a terrain-adaptive mobility system. Computational analyses using ANSYS or Abaqus were employed to model aerodynamics, thermal loads, and structural integrity during entry. Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) strategies were developed to enhance landing accuracy and post-landing maneuverability. The rover is designed to withstand the harsh Martian terrain, with a chassis capable of handling large inclinations without relying on spring suspension. It is self-powered through solar panels and equipped with a camera to record and transmit HD video of its surroundings. The aeroshell, designed to protect the rover during descent, is representative of an entry vehicle undergoing aerobraking and can be mounted to and deployed from an amateur rocketry booster for testing. Key results include validated aerodynamic profiles for stable descent, optimized material selections for thermal protection, and performance metrics for mobility under Martian gravity and terrain constraints. This work advances the field of autonomous planetary exploration by bridging entry vehicle dynamics with rover mobility, offering a scalable framework for future missions and improving mission success rates through cost-effective exploration technologies.