Feasibility of Martian Solar Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in 2030s
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Abstract
The exploration of Mars has been an aspiration since 1960s. The historical ways to explore Mars include orbiters, landers and rovers. Unlike the lunar exploration, aircraft on Mars can also be developed in the future, since the existence of Martian atmosphere. As a rising aerospace power, the idea of the Martian aircraft has also been proposed by many scholars. A solar-powered unmanned Martian airplane may be one such mission. However, compared with the Earth’s environment, the Martian atmosphere is so rare and less predictable. In addition, the solar irradiance on Mars is weaker than that on the Earth. These are two uncertainties to the success of the development of such a Martian UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). In this article, the feasibility of this plan is discussed, based on the Martian environment, aerodynamic design and current technical reserves.
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