Combined Sensor Assembly Comars+ for Exomars EDM Demonstrator

Abstract

Based on experience gained during the successful hypersonic flight experiments SHEFEX-I and SHEFEX-II using a combined aerothermal sensor package, the DLR Supersonic and Hypersonic Technology Department developed a new aerothermal sensor called COMARS. In addition to static pressure, surface temperature and total heat flux rate the COMARS sensor is also able to measure radiative heat fluxes using two fibre optic based gas radiation detectors of CNES (called ICOTOM). In addition to the COMARS sensors, the overall payload for the ExoMars EDM (Entry, Descent, Landing Demonstrator Module), called COMARS+, also contains a broad band radiometer of DLR. Furthermore a new electronic box containing multiplexer and power distribution units has been designed for the ExoMars mission. The performed thermo-mechanical analysis shows that all necessary system requirements can be satisfied. The aerothermal tests performed in Martian atmosphere in the arc heated facility L2K demonstrated the ability of the COMARS+ payload to collect data even at low aerothermal loads which are present during Mars entry.