February 28, 2000

 

Vehicle Design Team Report

 

 

                Work is proceeding steadily on all the topics that team members are working on. Included is a short summary of the progress made for each member:

 

Alex

·         Calculated an orbit to reach Low Mars Orbit from Earth Orbit in only 150 days. The increased velocity necessary was within team limits (too mars delta V of 5-6 km/s)

·         Working on Calculating return trajectory both from Martian orbit and from surface.

 

Urooj

·         Determined material to be used for Aerobrake heatshield.

·         Will be looking at max heat and max deceleration rates in Martian atmosphere.

 

Katie

·         Coordinating efforts between members for actual design of vehicle.

·         Will be researching materials for structural components.

 

Gwenn

·         Researched living quarter and living areas.

·         Will be looking at efficient way of cargo storage.

 

Chris

·         Found several engines including the Pratt and Whitney RL 10, which is used in many other Mars mission plans.

·         Will be determining return strategy, and getting more specific information about the engines and fuel tanks.