Aerocapture at Titan and Neptune: Navigation Sensitivity Study

Hanak, Chad

doi:10.2514/6.2004-5180

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…At Titan, current navigation technology can provide a 3σ flight-path angle variation of 0.24 deg for aerocapture missions [19]. Other state errors were computed based on the results presented in [20] and were scaled such that the flight-path angle uncertainty matched current capabilities. Correlated atmospheric density and wind uncertainties were generated using Mars GRAM and Titan GRAM.…”

Section: B Monte Carlo Simulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Drag-Modulation Flight-Control System Options for Planetary Aerocapture

Putnam

Braun

2014

Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets

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Drag-modulation flight control may provide a simple method for controlling energy during aerocapture. Several drag-modulation flight-control system options are discussed and evaluated, including single-stage jettison, two-stage jettison, and continuously variable drag-modulation systems. Performance is assessed using numeric simulation with real-time guidance and targeting algorithms. Monte Carlo simulation is used to evaluate system robustness to expected day-of-flight uncertainties. Results indicate that drag-modulation flight control is an attractive option for aerocapture systems at Mars, where low peak heat rates enable the use of lightweight inflatable drag areas. Aerocapture using drag modulation at Titan is found to require large drag areas to limit peak heat rates to nonablative thermal-protection system limits or advanced lightweight ablators. The large gravity well and high peak heat rates experienced during aerocapture at Venus make drag-modulation flight control unattractive when combined with a nonablative thermal-protection system. Significantly larger drag areas or advances in fabric-based material thermal properties are required to improve feasibility at Venus.

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Section: B Monte Carlo Simulationmentioning

confidence: 99%