ESA Open Invitation To Tender AO8341 
Open Date: 16/06/2015
Closing Date: 09/09/2015

Status: ISSUED
Reference Nr.: 15.123.04
Prog. Ref.: TRP
Budget Ref.: E/0901-01 – TRP
Special Prov.: BE+DK+FR+DE+IT+NL+ES+SE+CH+GB+IE+AT+NO+FI+PT+GR+LU+CZ+RO+PL
Tender Type: C
Price Range: 100-200 KEURO
Establishment: ESTEC
Directorate: Directorate of Technical & Quality Manag
Department: Mechanical Engineering Department
Division: Propulsion & Aerothermodynamics Division
Contract Officer: Magne-Lie, Karine
Last Update Date: 16/06/2015
Update Reason: Tender issue

There have been several attempts to deploy a penetrator system into the surface of a planet to investigate its interior: Deep Space2 microprobes, Lunar-A and Mars 96. Although none of these missions have been successfully completed, a penetrator remains an attractive option for future exploration missions. As also recently pointed out in the “Penetrator Development within framework of a Jovian Moon mission – Phase 2” activity (C213- 002PA), a relatively high drag area is needed to get the required trajectory turn over. The simplest proven way to achieve this would be to enclose the penetrator in a capsule. Although this solution takes advantage of existing knowledge and capability in Europe on conventional capsule performance, it requires a large volume and consequently a rather high mass. A spiked/bullet entry shape approach could potentially reduce the required space and mass needed. Within the present activity an aerothermodynamics assessment of a spiked/bullet shape entry configuration will be performed analysing the gas chemistry during the entry, the resulting heating and the required thermal protection systems, the trajectory turnover and the associated drag and stability performance of the breaking system, the effect of the wind and the controllability of the impact conditions.

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