**5. Martian atmosphere model**

To evaluate the descent trajectory of the lifting body, a proper model of the Martian atmosphere is adopted. In the present computations, the General Circulation Model (GCM) is assumed. GCM provides Mars atmosphere properties according to average data available by past exploration missions on the Red Planet. Atmospheric values of temperature, pressure, and density up to 125 km of altitude (see **Figure 3**) are obtained with the Mars Climate Database (MCD) which allows also small-scale meteorology predictions of storms and seasonal winds [11].

**Figure 3.** *Martian atmosphere: temperature and pressure (a); density and speed of sound (b).*
