Aurora: Opportunities For European Industry

MARSDAILY

Artist's view of the ExoMars descent module carrying the rover. Credits: ESA

Paris (ESA) Mar 07, 2003
"We cannot guarantee success, but we can deserve it." (*) That was the message from Franco Ongaro, head of the European Space Agency's Aurora Programme Office, at the conclusion of a special industry workshop held during early February.

Present at the meeting, held at ESA's European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), based in the Netherlands, were some 80 representatives of European and Canadian companies who were keen to learn more about the opportunities and challenges presented by the pioneering Aurora programme.

"Our second Aurora Industry Day was very well received," said Franco Ongaro. "We were delighted to see that so many companies and research organisations are interested in our robotic exploration missions and in the development of exploration-related technologies."

"Industrial studies for the four approved missions of the Aurora programme will begin in the next few weeks, and the participants from industry appreciated the opportunity to learn about the overall Aurora programme and to be informed of the way it is rapidly evolving," he added.

"They also expressed their appreciation with respect to the programme's well defined goals and strategy, both short and long term, as well as its fully integrated technology plan. This information is important in helping companies to decide how they can best contribute to this exciting vision of the future."

The meeting began with an overview of the Aurora programme, which is currently in a three-year preparatory period. When this initial stage is completed in late 2004, programme officials intend to produce a long term plan for the robotic and human exploration of the solar system, together with an updated programme proposal for the period 2005-2009.

This was followed by a number of presentations summarising the current status of Aurora activities.

Alain Pradier, Aurora Technology Manager explained the need to develop new, innovative technologies to support the initial robotic missions and pave the way for the human exploration programme. In particular, the agency is seeking generic technologies that may be used or adapted for multiple missions over the next few decades.

"It is our intention to increase safety, reduce cost and improve performance," explained Pradier.

Considerable emphasis was also placed on the results of preliminary ESA studies to define the first four robotic missions. These include two major Flagship missions (ExoMars and Mars Sample Return), and two smaller Arrow missions (Mars Aerocapture Demonstrator and the Earth Re-entry Vehicle).

These robotic and demonstrator missions, along with a coherent technology development plan and ground simulation work, will pave the way for more ambitious missions and eventually a human expedition to Mars.

ExoMars is currently expected to launch in 2009. After studying numerous options, ESA experts envisage sending two separate spacecraft to Mars during the same launch window. The first of these would include an orbiter and a descent module that would deliver a large rover to the surface of the Red Planet. A second 'carrier' spacecraft would deliver four Netlander stations to investigate the Martian environment.

Testing of rendezvous and docking techniques on the ExoMars mission will prepare the way for the second Flagship mission, a Mars Sample Return that will drill for Martian soil and rock for analysis back on Earth.

Launch is expected to take place in 2011.

In-flight demonstrations of some critical technologies required for these groundbreaking expeditions will be undertaken during the two preceding Arrow missions.

The Earth re-entry vehicle, to be launched in 2007, will be designed to survive a high speed re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, while the 2009 Mars aerocapture demonstrator will validate a lightweight, inflatable heatshield that can be deployed for braking into orbit.

Invitations to Tender for phase A or pre-phase A studies of these precursor missions will be issued in the next few weeks, opening the way for industry to participate in the future exploration of the solar system. Two parallel contracts for each mission are foreseen. In the case of the two Arrow technology demonstration missions, one of the contracts for the pre-phase A studies will be available for smaller, non-prime contractors.

Approved by the ESA Council in the autumn of 2001, Aurora is intended to formulate and implement a European long-term plan for the robotic and human exploration of the solar system. The ultimate objective is to send a human expedition to Mars by 2030.

TECH SPACE

Lift Off for Aurora: Europe's First Steps to Mars, the Moon and Beyond

Paris (ESA) Oct 15, 2002
Step by step, the European Space Agency's new Aurora space exploration programme is beginning to take shape. This ambitious programme, started by ESA in January 2002, sets out a strategy over the next 30 years for Europe's robotic and human exploration of Mars, the Moon, and even beyond to the asteroids.

Europe's Great Leap Upwards

Los Angeles - Jan 06, 2003
There have been several interesting developments in the past month where the space science programs of the European nations are concerned. They're a mixed bag -- although, on the whole, they're rather discouraging. Funding remains a serious problem for space science in virtually every country, given its very high cost relative to other forms of research.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.