An Overview of the Mars Science Laboratory Parachute Decelerator System

In 2010 the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission will deliver NASA´s largest and most capable rover to the surface of Mars. MSL will explore previously unattainable landing sites due to the implementation of a high precision Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) system. The Parachute Decelerator System (PDS) is an integral part of the EDL system, providing a mass and volume efficient source of aerodynamic drag to decelerate the entry vehicle from Mach 2 to subsonic speeds, prior to final propulsive descent to the surface. The PDS for MSL is a mortar-deployed 19.7m Viking type Disk-Gap-Band (DGB) parachute, chosen to meet the EDL timeline requirements and to utilize the heritage parachute systems from Viking, Mars Pathfinder, Mars Exploration Rover, and Phoenix NASA Mars Lander Programs. The preliminary design of the parachute soft goods, including materials selection, stress analysis, fabrication approach and development testing, will be discussed. The preliminary design of the mortar deployment system, including mortar system sizing and performance predictions, gas generator design, and development mortar testing, will also be presented.