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ESA Document - Emits - ESA

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2.7.7.1.3 Mars excursion module<br />

Supporting<br />

characteristics<br />

structure Value<br />

Overall mass (tonnes) 5.2<br />

Initial diameter (m) about 2<br />

Final diameter (m) about 2<br />

Length (m) 5<br />

Figure 2-35: TMI supporting structure characteristics<br />

HMM<br />

Assessment Study<br />

Report: CDF-20(A)<br />

February 2004<br />

page 67 of 422<br />

This mission element is the one that allows a crew of three astronauts to land on the surface of<br />

Mars and take off after 30 days to rendezvous and dock with the TV. It is composed of three<br />

main elements:<br />

• Descent Module, mainly composed of the deorbit propulsion system, inflatable heat<br />

shield, back cover and parachutes for the entry and descent.<br />

• Surface Habitation Module, a cylindrical module that will house the astronauts during<br />

their stage on the surface providing life-support systems and EVA equipment to perform<br />

the exploration. The landing systems (retrorockets and landing legs) are located in this<br />

module. It will also provide the interfaces with the MAV.<br />

• Mars Ascent Vehicle, the ascent vehicle in which the astronauts will return to orbit,<br />

mainly composed of a capsule (in which the astronauts will be placed also during the<br />

descent) and a propulsion module split into two stages. It will provide life support for 5<br />

days.<br />

The MEV will be attached to one of the extremities of the TV, in a docking port on the<br />

longitudinal axis of the TV.

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