The aerodynamic drag generated during a grazing pass through a planetary atmosphere can be used to expend energy which a spacecraft has in excess of that required to achieve a closed orbit. The propulsion fuel mass saved by eliminating retropropulsive braking maneuvers makes possible missions which are otherwise impossible or impractical. The present investigation has the objective to examine the influence of atmospheric entry trajectory parameters on the magnitude of the radiative heating rates for both the Titan aerocapture and near-earth orbital transfer missions. Calculations are performed for a wide range of entry conditions encompassing those of many conceptual mission scenarios for both Titan and earth. It is found that the nonequilibrium radiative heating is enhanced over that for equilibrium and generally exceeds that for convection for most mission profiles. Nonequilibrium radiation heating is, therefore, an important factor in the design of the corresponding thermal protection systems.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Trajectory analysis of radiative heating for planetary missions with aerobraking of spacecraft


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aerospace Sciences Meeting ; 1983 ; Reno, NV


    Publication date :

    1983-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :