Martian Autonomous Resupply Constellation (M.A.R.C.)

Crewed missions to celestial bodies outside Earth have historically been solely reliant on mission-allocated supplies. While there are mission contingencies in place to ensure those endeavors have sufficient resources to abort in the event of an emergency, space programs have no experience conducting crewed operations in interplanetary space. As humanity rapidly advances towards the exploration of Mars, establishing efficient and logistical supply infrastructure becomes critical. A ground-based transportation network will likely not exist between surface sites when Mars becomes habitable. Transporting supplies between sites will be impossible, creating serious vulnerabilities in the case of an emergency. Relying solely on Earth-based emergency relief efforts is equally infeasible due to the long travel time any aid would need to reach Mars. ISS resupply missions are a current example of how logistics are maintained for astronauts visiting a long-term habited installation; regularly scheduled launches from Earth provide necessary replenishment. This model is sufficient due to the short transit time from Earth’s surface to Low Earth Orbit. As the push for human habitation on Mars becomes more of a reality, management of emergency logistics is a necessity. Subsequently, an interim emergency response solution that can support a Mars-based crew while awaiting a dedicated rescue solution from Earth becomes an appealing alternative; despite this, there currently exists no dedicated effort to design such a solution. This project begins the initial mission design to implement an autonomous constellation of cargo-equipped orbiters in Martian orbit containing payloads such as food, water, and equipment that an astronaut crew on Mars may need if emergencies arise. Deploying the constellation in orbit outside of the context of any single space program’s mission ensures any crew regardless of allegiance can be sustained from a wide variety of surface locations. The proposed satellite network will provide resupply capabilities, continuous communication, and data relay between satellites, Martian surface sites, and Earth, helping develop the self-sufficiency of Mars sites. The current focus of the project is centered on assessing the mission's feasibility through validation and longevity. We have utilized data from previous Martian lander E.D.L. systems, specifically the Spirit rover mission, to enhance the design and optimize our approach by aligning it with successful previous missions. Additionally, we have selected to use solid fuel for its lifespan and overall simplicity. SolidWorks models of the M.E.R. have been developed to evaluate thermodynamic performance and volume/mass capacity, and we are currently optimizing the ground track of the constellation to allow for an equal solid propellant mass in each satellite, facilitating the delivery of any cargo ship to any ground site. In this paper we present detailed prefatory designs of the constellation and its associated hardware, which will allow for access to proposed ground sites once every eight minutes via a roughly twelve-hour repeating ground track. The report will show the current CAD models of the lander, the thermal analysis of the capsule moving through the Martian atmosphere, and an in-depth analysis of the constellation paired with the propellant mass, cargo mass, delta-V requirements, response times, and communication from ground sites, to and through satellites, all the way to Earth.