An exhaustively cheap COTS product, SuperCam’s microphone had recorded first acoustics in the redplanet. Initially meant to record the LIBS sound, the microphone also revealed the properties of theMartian atmosphere - the high attenuation due to low pressure CO2 atmosphere at high frequencies,as well as the high frequency dynamics correlating to atmospheric temperature variation and sounddispersion. Furthermore, with successful flights by Ingenuity, the next step is to transcend the limitsdue to the rough terrain and adapt aerial maneuvers for science objectives. There is another criticalproblem, the wind direction sensors have been damaged (both Curiosity and Perseverance) due todust in the atmosphere, rendering the need to adapt better methodology to survey wind parametersnear the surface.

With the next design statement being an aerial drone, the next challenge is to minimize the weightand volume of payload while maintaining the current standards and resolution in data. With μ LIBS inR&D phase alongwith other instrument payloads, the next step for acoustics is to expand the scientificpossibilities with audio measurements. An intensive study is required to explore the feasibility with oneor more microphones to integrate different science objectives, as well as understand the limitationsposed by the Martian atmosphere.

The current methodology adapted is simple - to test the new and better microphones for the nextplanetary mission - Mars. A variation of COTS microphone of different size and functionality have to bestudied (alongwith SuperCam microphone) and tested for the different environmental challenges posedby the body, as well as sustainability for a long term mission. This in turn with expand the scientificobjective for the microphone, including but not limited to:

• To record the LIBS or other scientific payload wherein acoustics can add an additional depth toinformation.
• Use an array of microphone to deduce the wind intensity and direction.
• Provide recording during re-entry and descent to understand the atmospheric gradient properties.
• To provide a health check of the payload and carrier.

The microphones were tested for the normal conditions, to have a base reference for performanceat nominal conditions. Next test is conducted in anechoic chamber to observe the effect of environmentbackground sound on the performance of the microphones. Following that, pressure test at Martianenvironment conditions (6 mbar) and temperature test at - 40◦ C were done and the acoustic sampleswere recorded for each test. Climats Chamber for the cold test alongwith Mars Chamber present atIRAP were employed to achieve the certain environment conditions. The performance was recorded,based on a mechanical sound source, and an electronic speaker. This measurements was comparedfor several microphones, and the best candidate based on the mission profile requirement is presentedfor the next stage of studies for upcoming missions.

Part of the work done in the thesis was presented and published as conference paper at InternationalAstronautical Congress 2022, Paris. The paper is included as part of the report to complement theresults, discussion and conclusion of the overall thesis.ii   

‘Recherche de vie’ or search of life beyond Earth has been holding an abundance of unraveled lingering questions since the birth of mankind. Atop ocean candidate Europa, the Jovian icy moon has water plumes above its surface. Ocean finding beneath the surface of icy crust at the moon’s surface was suggested by Galileo spacecraft and further confirmed by the most recent, Juno spacecraft. Liquid water is one of the essential elements difficult to find beyond Earth that may be harnessed by condensing via in-situ resource technology. The geologically interesting astronomical body may be studied closely by an orbiter that gives the finding of Europa’s surface, spatial atmosphere, deep interior, subsurface ocean, and potentially even glacial creatures. This paper discusses the spacecraft instrumentation and working of an Orbiter designed to study Jupiter’s frigid moon. As evaluated by previous missions, there is a high concentration of heavy ions (O⁺, N⁺, S⁺) in the atmosphere which needs to be studied closely to understand the influence on the atmosphere by the Jovian magnetosphere along with surface emissions. Further, thermal imaging and spectroscopy will aid in imaging the topological layer to reinforce the findings and study the degradation of the surface layer due to radiation interaction. A ground-penetrating radar system accompanied will be used in detecting the thickness of the icy surface and finding the layer from where water presence onsets. As current state-of-the-art technology facilitates the in-depth study of Europa’s space environment, this paper details the Europa Reconnaissance Orbiter’s aero-structure, power subsystem, propulsion subsystem, control and the trajectory followed by the payload system onboard the spacecraft which collect all the necessary topological information of Europa that may be further studied for implication on the presence of biotic life in the time between the Galileo Mission and the arrival of the Europa Clipper spacecraft.

‘Le Reve d’Etoiles’ or the Dream of Stars has been a common dynamo for mankind since the dawn of the civilization. Ever since his first gaze above, he has felt the compulsion to reach out there. However, this has remained a dream rather than a reality due to the limitations in current space technology. When it comes to manned missions, the farthest location that we have been able to reach is the Moon. Going to a nearby planet such as Mars with a manned mission still seems to be at least half a decade away with the present technology. In addition, transportation of unmanned probes for deep space missions has also not really advanced too much as compared to the technologies of the Voyager missions’ era. Current technology allows for decades to pass before it can even be possible to reach the heliopause with a new probe. Regardless of these above conditions, it is essential to explore options for interstellar missions. Consequently, in the present, the dream of stars compels many scientists to work on interstellar missions even though it may not be possible to initiate such a mission with current technology. This paper discusses the possibility of an interstellar exploration mission to the recently discovered star system, Luhman 16. It is chosen due to the fact of being the second closest binary brown-dwarf system with possible exoplanet in the near interstellar space around our solar system. This star system lies at an approximate distance of 6.5 light years, thus presenting a good destination for interstellar travel. Hence, this paper will present a case study analysis of interstellar travel to Luhman 16 Star System by comparing different modes of viable propulsion systems in development; and plotting the distance, time and specific impulse for Gas-Core Nuclear propulsion system which promises to reach in a reasonable amount of time. The challenges of such a mission will be presented in detail and the effects of semi relativistic speeds will be considered along with the corresponding mass expansion and time dilation. The futurology of this paper lies in presenting the case study to become a reference point for similar unmanned interstellar missions.

Since the ‘Naissance de l’univers’ or birth of Universe, colonization of different planets has always amused the minds of those whose curiosity knew no bounds. The expeditious vandalization of Earth in the realms of environment, population and ecosystem have made it imperative to search for a competitive candidate. Planets and moons have been a prominent area of study for exploration and viable wealth of resources amongst scientists. But before colonizing any region, it is indispensable to examine the area for harboring life. As the Saturn’s moon Titan possesses a mammoth resemblance to Earth, an attempt to explore Titan by humans for a short-haul mission prior to settlement of a complete civilization is framed to prospect systematically. The biggest cloud on the horizon lies in sending the first astronauts to Titan for a short duration to explore and investigate. Titan has to be studied deeply in the regimes of environment features, surface aids and characteristics to accomplish the mission of landing on it. The paper encompasses the hold of such a spacecraft with humans encapsulating the compelling needs to drive and sustain within it. A didactic approach of space propulsion, space dynamics and biological outreach has been embarked for the survival of the crew. The spacecraft is propelled using Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) which generates a thrust of around 5.4 N at 200 kW total RF power to reach Titan sooner than by any other means. With the aid of Magnetic Shielding, the crew is protected from the harmful effects of the Solar, Cosmic and other radiations. Cryo-hibernation pods can further be employed to reduce muscle atrophy of the crew members. Additionally, the assistance of resources, spacesuit and surface characteristics of Titan have been manifested for the humans to accumulate data during the in-situ exploration and scientific experimentation to be conducted on Titan, later returning back to spacecraft in orbit, and then, Earth. It will also serve as a dual impetus of creating an ideal spacecraft for the journey along with the potential to reverse engineer it for other missions and aids to counter the adverse effects on the human body. Thus, while the cynosure of this paper lies in the journey of humans from Earth to Titan in a spacecraft, it also delves into the technical assistance on Titan, while remaining in the Saturn’s orbit.