The ParaShield entry vehicle concept - Basic theory and flight test development
Abstract
The ParaShield concept of the Space Systems Laboratory is an ultra-low ballistic coefficient entry vehicle, created to meet the need for entry vehicle technology to return mass from low earth orbit. The concept involves decoupling the ballistic coefficient from the launch vehicle parameters, to pick a value (beta) which optimizes the desired entry vehicle characteristics. Trajectory simulations show that, as the ballistic coefficient is lowered to range of 100-150 Pa, the total heat load and peak heating flux drop markedly, due to primary deceleration in regions of extremely low dynamic pressure. These same low values of beta also result in a low terminal velocity, allowing the use of simple impact attenuation to provide a soft landing on water or dry land. Because the deployable fabric framework serves the functions of both heat shield and parachute, it is referred to as a ParaShield. The experience gained from the design, construction, and integration of a ParaShield test vehicle is discussed.
- Publication:
-
Annual AIAA/Utah State University 4th Conference on Small Satellites, Volume 1
- Pub Date:
- 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990aiaa....1R....A
- Keywords:
-
- Ballistic Trajectories;
- Flight Tests;
- Launch Vehicles;
- Reentry Vehicles;
- Spacecraft Design;
- Spacecraft Trajectories;
- Heat Shielding;
- Hypersonic Speed;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles