I would like to extend my “Universal Atmospheric Entry Capsule” proposal further. An entry capsule for a mission to Mars. The design of the capsule will be similar to the one I proposed for Venus, a delta wing shaped capsule. However, the atmosphere of Mars is much less dense compared to Venus. Therefore, the capsule would be discarded after completing its mission. However, the passive deceleration design maximizes the payload to Mars.
The descending phase of the capsule will be similar to the Venus delta wing. The payload of the capsule will be the Mars glider. Fitting a long wing inside a small payload area is not possible. Therefore, I thought of a method to build one on Mars while the capsule is still flying. The wings will be made of plastic tubes which would be stored in a rolled form during voyage. Once the speed of the capsule drops below a certain level, these rolls will be opened. It will be like fire fighters rolled hose opening. Unlike a hose the result will be a wing. The inside of this hollow wing will be filled by two-part chemical. When cured they will become an elastic strong frame for the wing. The curing requires heat which Mars lacks. To overcome that, the chemicals will be pre-heated during descent which generates a lot of heat. Once the wings become more rigid allowing an independent flight, the Mars glider will be released from the capsule.
The glider will not have an active propulsion, but only follow the winds. Its high aspect ratio wings will keep it airborne for many hours and even days. The glider will have tiny wind turbines on its back. Made of coreless motors which are low-profile, light weight and easy to control. These generators will provide power to the glider. Additionally, applying power to them will generate additional drag which will be used to steer the glider.
As a result, much larger area on Mars can be observed in detail. Depending on the payload capability of the glider, an electrostatic sampler can also be integrated on board (Explained in detail on the Venus Explorer Capsule).
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