Learn about the main steps and considerations of the reentry process for spacecraft missions, and how systems engineers design, analyze, test, and operate the reentry system.

i will not answer this. i can answer this , but i will not volunteer it. I wrote these same exact requirements for Project Orion . I don't work for free....... .....

What is the process for ensuring a successful spacecraft mission reentry?

Reentry is one of the most critical and challenging phases of a spacecraft mission, as it involves high speeds, extreme temperatures, aerodynamic forces, and communication blackouts. To ensure a successful reentry, systems engineers need to follow a rigorous process that covers the design, analysis, testing, and operation of the spacecraft and its reentry system. In this article, you will learn about the main steps and considerations of this process, and how they help to achieve the mission objectives and ensure the safety of the crew and the payload.

1 Define the reentry requirements

The first step of the reentry process is to define the requirements that the spacecraft and its reentry system need to meet. These requirements may include the target landing site, the desired accuracy, the allowable loads and heating, the recovery method, the abort scenarios, and the environmental and regulatory constraints. The requirements are derived from the mission objectives, the customer needs, the stakeholder expectations, and the best practices and standards.

Add your perspective

Gary M. Moore

RF Engineer
Report contribution
i will not answer this. i can answer this , but i will not volunteer it. I wrote these same exact requirements for Project Orion . I don't work for free....... .....

Like
Alexis Alfonso Pachon Garzon

Analista de Requerimientos | PMP | Scrum | ITIL | Metodologías Ágiles | Gestión de Requerimientos |Liderazgo de Proyectos | TELCOS | BILLING | Informática | AS-TI | IS | Migración de Sistemas | Mejora de Procesos | I+D+I
Report contribution
Considero incluir estos temas: Para garantizar el éxito de la reentrada de una misión espacial, la NASA utiliza un proceso de diseño de ingeniería (EDP). Este proceso es iterativo y consiste en una serie de pasos que los ingenieros utilizan para guiarse en la resolución de problemas. La reentrada atmosférica requiere métodos especiales de protección contra el calentamiento aerodinámico. Se han desarrollado varias tecnologías avanzadas para permitir la reentrada atmosférica y el vuelo a velocidades extremas. Si una nave espacial estuviera orbitando la Tierra e ingresara a la atmósfera, se incineraría y desintegraría en el proceso. Esto se debe a que para estar en órbita, debe tener una velocidad tangencial de unos 27.000 km/h.

Translated

Like
Sina Golshany

Director of Technology, Engineering | Aircraft Designer, Ex-Boeing
Report contribution
MBSE is a very powerful tool even in the requirements definition phase, particularly for novel vehicles/missions. Accurate aerodynamic and mass properties databases, as well as an accurate modeling of the flight control laws, are critical for the initial trajectory analysis. The result of trajectory analysis is critical to setting the aerothermodynamic requirements that drive everything from the nature/thickness of thermal protection to the capabilities of the internal thermal management system for the vehicle, as well as structural requirements.

Like
Barbara Orsola

Senior Business Development Manager at TMC Italia - Technology and Engineering Service
Report contribution
Vehicles are designed to minimize structure, weight, and volume, to fit designated capacities, and to withstand the stresses of launch and landing. Human factors have often not addressed until late in the process. There are several physiological concerns that arise on a space flight, two primary concerns for the human body during reentry and landing : cardiovascular distress, including ginduced loss of consciousness (GLOC), with related visual symptoms and orthostatic intolerance and physical trauma due to landing impact. An integrated approach to spacecraft design that addresses factors driven by sensory disturbance mitigation, mission constraints, and human concerns would help to ensure the safety and success of missions.

Like

2 Design the reentry system

The next step is to design the reentry system that will enable the spacecraft to survive and maneuver through the atmosphere. The reentry system may consist of various components, such as a heat shield, a parachute, a retro-rocket, a capsule, or a winged vehicle. The design of the reentry system depends on the type and size of the spacecraft, the reentry profile, the landing mode, and the performance and reliability criteria. The design process involves trade-offs, simulations, and iterations to optimize the reentry system for the given requirements.

Add your perspective

Sina Golshany

Director of Technology, Engineering | Aircraft Designer, Ex-Boeing
Report contribution
Generally speaking, the same MBSE framework used to define the requirements could be used to design the entire reentry system as more details are added and higher fidelity databases and control laws become available. Design coordination, in other words, making sure that all disciplines are working off of the same assumptions, data, and geometry is crucial. Setting up a good MBSE framework early in the program tends to pay huge dividends in all stages of the development.

Like

3 Analyze the reentry performance

The third step is to analyze the reentry performance of the spacecraft and its reentry system, using analytical models, numerical methods, and experimental data. The analysis aims to predict and verify the behavior and characteristics of the reentry system in various conditions and scenarios, such as the aerodynamics, the thermodynamics, the structural integrity, the stability and control, the guidance and navigation, and the communication and telemetry. The analysis also helps to identify and mitigate the risks and uncertainties associated with the reentry process.

Add your perspective

4 Test the reentry system

The fourth step is to test the reentry system in relevant environments and scales, using ground-based facilities, suborbital flights, or orbital demonstrations. The testing aims to validate and improve the design and analysis of the reentry system, and to evaluate its performance and functionality in realistic situations. The testing also helps to verify the compliance with the requirements and the readiness for the actual reentry mission.

Add your perspective

5 Operate the reentry system

The final step is to operate the reentry system during the mission, using the data and feedback from the previous steps. The operation involves planning, coordinating, executing, and monitoring the reentry sequence, using onboard and ground-based systems and personnel. The operation also involves responding to any contingencies or anomalies that may occur during the reentry process, and ensuring the safe and successful landing and recovery of the spacecraft and its payload.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What is the process for ensuring a successful spacecraft mission reentry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Define the reentry requirements

2 Design the reentry system

3 Analyze the reentry performance

4 Test the reentry system

5 Operate the reentry system

6 Here’s what else to consider

Systems Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Systems Engineering

More relevant reading

What is the process for ensuring a successful spacecraft mission reentry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Define the reentry requirements

2 Design the reentry system

3 Analyze the reentry performance

4 Test the reentry system

5 Operate the reentry system

6 Here’s what else to consider

Systems Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills