An extensive series of tests of the Viking entry vehicle flying in pure CO2 was conducted in a ballistic range at Ames Research Center. The primary purpose of these tests was to calibrate the aerodynamic lift and drag characteristics in order to allow the density, pressure, and temperature profiles of the Martian atmosphere to be determined from onboard instrumentation carried on Viking. Both the Viking 1 and Viking 2 entry vehicles performed flawlessly during entry and descent, and the atmosphere structure was deduced to an altitude of about 120 km. A description is given of the ballistic range tests and of the aerodynamic behavior of the full scale entry vehicles during entry into the Martian atmosphere. Some comparisons between ground test and flight results are shown.


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    Title :

    Aerodynamic behavior of the Viking entry vehicle - Ground test and flight results


    Contributors:
    Kirk, D. B. (author) / Intrieri, P. F. (author) / Seiff, A. (author)

    Conference:

    Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference ; 1977 ; Hollywood, FL


    Publication date :

    1977-01-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :


    Aerodynamic Behavior of the Viking Entry Vehicle: Ground Test and Flight Results

    Bonn B. Kirk / Peter F. Intrieri / Alvin Seiff | AIAA | 1978



    Launch vehicle aerodynamic flight test results

    Gaines, L. M. / Osborn, W. L. / Wiltse, P. D. | NTRS | 1983


    Transonic aerodynamic characteristics of the Viking entry and Lander configurations

    Mc Ghee, R. J. / Siemers, P. M., III / Pelc, R. E. | NTRS | 1971


    TRANSONIC AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VIKING ENTRY AND LANDER CONFIGURATIONS

    R. J. Mc Ghee / P. M. Siemers / R. E. Pelc | NTIS | 1971