# Presentation: 371589

##  Report on the ESA-CNES MSR Conference, July 9-10, 2008David Beaty and Lisa May Sept. 18, 2008

## What did iMARS present?

**What did iMARS present?**

## Mission rationale, Science objectives, Samples needed to achieve objectives

- David Beaty

## Why Return Samples?

- There are _three primary reasons_ why MSR would be of such high value to science.

_***1. Complex sample preparation, sample decisions***_

*Image courtesy Dimitri Papanastassiou*

*Image courtesy Carl Allen*

## Why Return Samples?

***3. ***_***Instrumentation***_***  ***

_***2. Analysis Adaptability***_

- Best accuracy/precision
- Diversity—results could be confirmed by alternate methods
- Instruments not limited by mass, power, V, T, reliability, etc.
- Calibration, positive and negative control standards
- Future instrument developments

- ....

*JSC TEM lab, courtesy Lisa Fletcher*

*UCLA MegaSIMS lab, courtesy Kevin McKeegan*

- Not limited by prior hypotheses

## Draft High-Level Requirements, Architecture, Development Timeline

- Denis Moura

## Draft High-Level Requirements (1)

| Category | Draft Requirement |
| --- | --- |

## Draft High-Level Requirements (2)

| Category | Requirement |
| --- | --- |

## Proposed MSR Architecture

**Mars Surface**

**Mars Atmosphere**

**Mars Orbit**

**Earth**

**Control & Mission Centres and Stations**

**Mars Cruise Stage**

**Entry & Descent Stage, Direct Entry**

**Orbiter**
**(Aerobraking)**

**Sample Container**

**Mars Ascent Vehicle**

**Mars Sampling Rover**

**Mars Lander**

**Expended MAV**

**Orbiter Captures Sample Container**

**Sample Receiving and Curation Facilities**

**Expended Propulsion Module**

**Diverted ERV**

**Earth Return Vehicle**

**Earth Entry Vehicle**

**Lander Composite**
**Atlas A 551**
**(candidate)**

**Orbiter**
**Composite**
**Ariane 5 ECA**
**(candidate)**

## Analysis of MSR Mission Options (Lander TC from MSR orbiter)

**Abbreviations:**
**A/b**: aerobraking;          **DT**: Direct Transfer (no Earth swing-by);          **RdV**: Rendezvous and Capture;         **IFO**: In-flight operations.

## Analysis of MSR Mission Options (Lander TC from another mission)

***The one considered later on***

## MSR Potential Timeline

***Mission analysis scenario 5 (lander TC support from another mission)***

## Associated Technology Maturation Plan

## Protecting the Earth, Mars and the Samples

- Gerhard Kminek

## Planetary Protection Summary

- _Protecting the Earth_ from potential martian hazards and _protecting the martian samples_ from terrestrial contamination throughout all mission phases would introduce considerable complexity in the mission design for MSR
- The sample receiving facility(ies) is a long-lead item that would need to be addressed in the pre-project phase
*	**full development, approval and commissioning covers one decade*
- Ground facilities (i.e., containment and curation) would of necessity be long-term investments, beyond the return of the samples
- Communication with the public of particular importance with respect to the sample containment facility(ies)

## Science Management Plan

- Monica Grady

## Internationalizing MSR Science

***EXAMPLE:  Sub-division and allocations for part of Mars meteorite QUE-94201***

- A significant challenge for an international MSR would be the process by which a large, diverse, international science team would be managed
- How would international _participation in the following_ critical science-related decisions be managed?

- where to _land_,
- _which samples_ to collect,
- Mars _surface operations strategy_, and its relationship to risk management
- _subdivision_ of the samples once back on Earth
- _allocation_ of the samples to PIs
- Would require an international ‘oversight body’ that includes
- international and technical diversity
- budget decision-makers

- scientists, engineers, strategic planners, and managers
- Proposal for _International MSR Science Institute (IMSI)_

## What was the reaction?

**What was the reaction?**

## Reaction

| MEPAG ND-SAG findings, including science objectives, sample size/mass/diversity, sample preservation | REASONABLE |
| --- | --- |
| Draft requirements | REASONABLE |
| Flight architecture | REASONABLE |
| Technology maturation plan | REASONABLE |
| Timeline | MSR lander in 2020 too fast?  2022? |

## Reaction

| IMSI | Interesting concept, needs more refinement |
| --- | --- |
| Building an international coalition | Valuable goal, will take some work |

## What has happened since July, 2008?

**What has happened since July, 2008?**

## What’s Next?

- IMEWG is considering a charter for _iMARS Phase II_; early indications are favorable.  Would start after the new year.  This would continue to provide a vehicle for _coordinating international MSR planning_.
- ESA is preparing their submission for the Ministerial Conference in _November (2008)_ and they currently planning to  propose a _3-year MSR Preparatory Programme_.
- In the NASA budgeting process, consideration is being given to increasing funding for _MSR Advanced Technology_.  Timing and amount is TBD.  Next budget release ~_Feb. 2009_.
- _Other space agencies_ are evaluating their priorities and financial/technical options for participation in MSR.