A Uranus orbiter and probe mission is the highest priority science mission of the current decade. Aerocapture can be employed to support these missions by enabling shorter interplanetary trajectories and requiring less fuel for orbit insertion. This paper investigates the trajectory design and performance analysis of Uranus aerocapture using an MSL-derived aeroshell design. The trajectory tradespace for Uranus aerocapture is investigated to understand the relationship between interplanetary arrival speed and aeroshell aerodynamics to controllability. A 3 degree-of-freedom simulation framework is developed to assess the performance of bank angle fully numerical predictor-corrector aerocapture guidance. A series of Monte Carlo sensitivity studies are conducted to assess the effects that arrival navigation, arrival speeds, and atmosphere knowledge have on the aerocapture robustness and performance. The results suggest that bank angle modulation is a feasible option for Uranus orbit insertion where aerocapture can reduce transit times by 40% and save 1950 kg in propellant mass.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Performance Analysis of Aerocapture Systems for Uranus Orbiters


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2023


    Size :

    18 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Performance Analysis of Aerocapture Systems for Uranus Orbiters

    R. Deshmukh / S. Dutta / E. R. Shellabarger et al. | NTIS | 2023


    Performance Analysis of Aerocapture Systems for Uranus Orbiters

    Rohan Deshmukh / Soumyo Dutta / Eli Ray Shellabarger et al. | NTRS


    Performance Analysis of Aerocapture Systems for Uranus Orbiters

    Rohan G. Deshmukh / Soumyo Dutta / Eli Shellabarger et al. | NTRS


    Aerodynamic Implications of Aerocapture Systems for Uranus Orbiters

    Eli R. Shellabarger / James B. Scoggins / Andrew D. Hinkle et al. | NTRS


    Aeroheating Environments of Aerocapture Systems for Uranus Orbiters

    James B Scoggins / Andrew D Hinkle / Eli R Shellabarger | NTRS