Supporting the Vision: Alta’s Activities and Capabilities for Mars Exploration

The feasibility of affordable Mars exploration scenarios within a reasonably short time frame is crucially dependent on the capability to effectively cope with a number of key technology issues as well as with the availability of adequate skills and facilities. A number of past and present R&D programs at Alta SpA, a small company based in Pisa, are aimed at some challenging aspects of Mars missions, such as: aeroassisted EDL, ascent engine design and trajectory optimization, mini-magnetosphere generation for radiation protection in long duration crewed transfers, high Isp propulsion systems and mission design in multi-body regimes. These activities are complemented with the availability of unique facilities, including the largest space simulator available in Europe for thruster testing and plasma experiments requiring very high pumping speeds, and a variety of equipments and diagnostics related to aerothermodynamics of the Martian atmosphere. The presentation addresses the Alta experience and perspective contribution to Mars missions as an example of how a small enterprise can help support the vision for Mars exploration.