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[14.24] Scientic Uses of Crude Telemetry during Mars Atmospheric Entry

P. Withers (Boston University)

Accurate acceleration measurements during atmospheric entry have long been used to derive atmospheric properties, such as density, pressure, and temperature. How well can inaccurate velocity measurements from Doppler-shifted telemetry derive atmospheric properties?

Such a technique would (a) work even if the spacecraft splats upon impact before returning its recorded science data and (b) work in real time during the descent, providing instant data for the eager public.

I will present analysis techniques that are optimized to work with inaccurate velocity measurements instead of accurate acceleration measurements. Accelerations derived from repeated inaccurate velocities are very, very uncertain indeed.

Reasonable results for pressure and temperature, but not density, profiles appear possible. A surprisingly accurate measurement of temperature at peak acceleration is also possible.

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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35 #4
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.