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A brief review of the evolutionary progress in computational aerothermodynamics is presented. The current status of computational aerothermodynamics is then discussed, with emphasis on its capabilities and limitations for contributions to the design process of hypersonic vehicles. Some topics to be highlighted include: घ1ङ aerodynamic coeaecient predictions with emphasis on high temperature gas eaeects; घ2ङ surface heating and temperature predictions for thermal protection system घTPSङ design in a high temperature, thermochemical nonequilibrium environment; घ3ङ methods for extracting and extending computational aeuid dynamic घCFDङ solutions for eaecient utilization by all members of a multidisciplinary design team; घ4ङ physical models; घ5ङ validation process and error estimation; and घ6ङ gridding and solution generation strategies. Recent experiences in the design of X-33 will be featured. Computational aerothermodynamic contributions to Mars Pathaender, METEOR, and Stardust घComet Sample returnङ will also provide context for this discussion. Some of the barriers that currently limit computational aerothermodynamics to a predominantly reactive mode in the design process will also be discussed, with the goal of providing focus for future research.

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