NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Collections About News Help Login
Back to Results
Dynamic Stability Testing of the Mars Science Laboratory Entry CapsuleResults from a 26 shot ballistic range test of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) entry capsule are presented. The supersonic pitch damping properties of the MSL capsule were characterized between Mach 1.35 and Mach 3.5 and total angles-of-attack from 0 to 30 degrees. In flight, the MSL entry capsule will utilize a radial center-of-gravity offset to produce a non-zero trim angle-of-attack. This offset trim angle will produce lift, enabling the capsule to fly a guided entry and reducing the landing footprint dimensions to within 10 km of the desired landing site. A lifting configuration could not be tested at the ballistic range used for this test as the models would swerve into the range walls, possibly damaging cameras, the coordinate reference system or other facility assets. Ballistic (non-lifting) data was extracted and will be implemented in a conservative fashion to ensure that the dynamic stability characteristics of the flight vehicle are bounded. A comparison between the MSL pitch damping results and the dynamic model of the Mars Exploration Rover capsule shows generally close agreement with no significant differences in damping characteristics due to the change in backshell geometry. Dynamic moments are also compared to the MSL reaction control system (RCS) control authority to show the controller has sufficient margin to easily damp any dynamic stability effects.
Document ID
20090026361
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Schroenenberger, Mark (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Yates, Leslie (Aerospace Computing, Inc. Mountain View, CA, United States)
Hathaway, Wayne (Arrow Tech Associates, Inc. South Burlington, VT, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
June 22, 2009
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
AIAA Paper 2009-3917
LF99-8967
Meeting Information
Meeting: 41st AIAA Thermophysics Conference
Location: San Antonio, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: June 22, 2009
End Date: June 25, 2009
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 857464.02.07.08
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

Related Records

There are no records associated with this record.
No Preview Available