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The AERODEM is an ESA demonstration mission that will implement an aerocapture phase in order to provide an atmospheric ∆V instead of a standard chemical one for orbiting a SpaceCraft around Mars. The aerocapture technique currently studied relies on a discrete event drag modulation technique that modifies only once the aerocapture module ballistic coefficient by separating / retracting the heatshield.

The study aimed to develop crucial enabling technologies for constructing potential large scale Moon and Mars Planetary surface simulators. It involved the Design, Construction and Testing of five enabling technologies, two related to the simulator chamber design (Task 1) and 3 involving modular sub-systems (Task 2). To summarize, despite several technical challenges functional solutions have been found for each of the five target technologies. Together these constitute vital components for future construction of a (low cost) large scale Mars/Moon test facility

The activity shall develop three prototypes of the exoskeleton system, one to be qualified for usage inside the International Space Station and one to be up-loaded as flight model to the international space station. The third model will be a ground reference model. The test campaign of the system can be undertaken as an agency furnished item. The activity shall develop a full mechatronic system, including all material to package and transport the system to orbit, control electronics and computers.

Future long-duration space missions or planetary outposts, such as on the Moon or Mars, will need solutions for producing food in situ, with a view to: