Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Power System Architecture

Abstract

Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) was launched in fall 2011 and is expected to land on the Red Planet in August 2012. MSL includes a rover named Curiosity, which is the largest rover ever sent to Mars. The power system architecture is designed to encompass the various spacecraft configurations for the different mission phases of delivering such a large rover to the surface of Mars. The power system has a large solar array for power during the cruise to Mars up to the start of the Entry Descent and Landing (EDL) phase. During the EDL phase, four thermal batteries power the descent stage until the touch down of the rover to the surface using a new “Sky Crane” delivery system. On the surface of Mars a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) will deliver power to the rover. To provide enough power for mobility and science instruments, the rover will use two Li-Ion secondary batteries. This paper describes the MSL power system architecture and functions, the various power technologies used, and the control techniques chosen to meet the challenge of delivering the rover to the surface of Mars.