NASA, Others Increasing Reliance On Solar Power For Space Explorations

Rising Use Of Solar Powered Aircraft For Space Exploration

United States (US)-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently proposed to develop a global mobility Mars exploration platform. It was called ‘Mars Aerial and Ground Intelligent Explorer’ (MAGGIE). It’s a compact fixed wing aircraft with ultra-high productivity efficiency powered by solar energy. It’s used to fly in the Martian atmosphere with vertical take-off/landing (VTOL) capability, which is enabled by advanced deflected slipstream technology with CoFlow Jet (CFJ).

The attractiveness of airborne missions on Mars has been demonstrated by the Ingenuity helicopter. It is estimated to be similarly engaging to the public, in its variety of environments. It is expected to explore, study, and capture image. The technology can also enhance VTOL aircraft technology on Earth and other planets.

The cruise Mach number of MAGGIE is 0.25 with a cruise lift coefficient CL of 3.5, nearly an order of magnitude higher than conventional subsonic aircraft, i.e., means an aircraft incapable of sustaining level flight at speeds exceeding a Mach number of 1 (i.e. the speed of sound). It’s used to help overcome the low density of the Martian atmosphere.

The range of MAGGIE for a fully charged battery per 7.6 sol is 179 km at altitude of 1,000 m. The total range of MAGGIE per Martian year is 16,048 km. The representative mission for MAGGIE can conduct three atmospheric and geophysical investigations, all supporting different timescales of the Dynamic Mars science theme.

The conceptual MAGGIE system study indicates that the concept appears to be feasible, but needs to be further investigated, designed, and verified under Martian atmospheric conditions in Phase I. MAGGIE can be used to perform the first global-scale atmospheric mission at Mars and can transform their capability of exploring almost the entirety of the Martian surface. It is the first concept to enable ongoing exploration of this region of Mars and can provide a substantial leap in capability for NASA’s exploration of the Red Planet.

Case For Japanese Mars Exploration

Similarly, Japanese made a successful moon landing, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed soft landing of the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM). It had successfully landed on the moon surface on January 20, 2024, at 0:20 am (JST).

SLIM is a small-scale exploration lander designed for pinpoint landings on the Moon’s surface, reduction in the size and weight of equipment used in Moon landings, and investigation into the Moon’s origins. It will also test technology fundamental to exploration in low-gravity environments, an important requirement for future scientific investigation of the solar system.

JAXA reported, “Communication with spacecraft has been established after the landing. However, the solar cells are currently not generating power, and priority is given to data acquisition from the SLIM on the moon.

Whereas, it mentioned, “Detailed analysis of the acquired data will be conducted in the future, and we will continue to share any updates on the situation.” With this Japan became the fifth country to successfully land on spacecraft on moon.”