NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Overview of Propulsion Systems for a Mars AircraftThe capabilities and performance of an aircraft depends greatly on the ability of the propulsion system to provide thrust. Since the beginning of powered flight, performance has increased in step with advancements in aircraft propulsion systems. These advances in technology from combustion engines to jets and rockets have enabled aircraft to exploit our atmospheric environment and fly at altitudes near the Earth's surface to near orbit at speeds ranging from hovering to several times the speed of sound. One of the main advantages of our atmosphere for these propulsion systems is the availability of oxygen. Getting oxygen basically "free" from the atmosphere dramatically increases the performance and capabilities of an aircraft. This is one of the reasons our present-day aircraft can perform such a wide range of tasks. But this advantage is limited to Earth; if we want to fly an aircraft on another planetary body, such as Mars, we will either have to carry our own source of oxygen or use a propulsion system that does not require it. The Mars atmosphere, composed mainly of carbon dioxide, is very thin. Because of this low atmospheric density, an aircraft flying on Mars will most likely be operating, in aerodynamical terms, within a very low Reynolds number regime. Also, the speed of sound within the Martian environment is approximately 20 percent less than it is on Earth. The reduction in the speed of sound plays an important role in the aerodynamic performance of both the aircraft itself and the components of the propulsion system, such as the propeller. This low Reynolds number-high Mach number flight regime is a unique flight environment that is very rarely encountered here on Earth.
Document ID
20010091338
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Colozza, Anthony J.
(DYNACS Engineering Co., Inc. Brook Park, OH United States)
Miller, Christopher J.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Reed, Brian D.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Kohout, Lisa L.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Loyselle, Patricia L.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 2001
Subject Category
Aircraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NASA/TM-2001-210575
NAS 1.15:210575
E-12541
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 710-70-23
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
No Preview Available