<h2>AAS 95-379</h2><h2>Mars Pathfinder Atmospheric Entry Trajectory Design</h2><h4>D. A. Spencer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, R. D. Braun, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA</h4><h2> Abstract </h2>The primary objective of the Mars Pathfinder mission is to demonstrate a low-cost, reliable system for entering the Martian atmosphere and placing a lander safely on the surface of Mars.  An extensive analysis of the Pathfinder entry trajectory has been performed.  Monte Carlo simulations have been developed, in order to obtain statistical information on entry conditions at critical points during the Pathfinder descent.  This paper will describe the current design of the Pathfinder entry trajectory, with an emphasis on the results of the Monte Carlo simulations.<br><br>