R. Savino1, V. Carandente1
FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.8, No.4, pp. 453-476, 2012, DOI:10.3970/fdmp.2012.008.453
Abstract A new small recoverable re-entry capsule with deployable heat shield is analyzed. The possible utilization of the capsule is for safe Earth return of science payloads or data from low Earth orbit at an inexpensive cost, taking advantage of its deployable structure to perform an aerobraking re-entry mission, with relatively low heat and mechanical loads. The system concept for the heat shield is based on umbrella-like frameworks and existing ceramic fabrics. An aerothermodynamic analysis is developed to show that the peak heat flux, for a capsule with a ballistic coefficient lower than 10 kg/m2, is in More >