Development of flare-type inflatable membrane aeroshell for reentry demonstration from LEO

Kazuhiko Yamada, Takashi Abe, Kojiro Suzuki, Osamu Imamura, Daisuke Akita, Yasunori Nagata, Yusuke Takahashi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

An inflatable decelerator is promising for a next generation atmospheric-entry system, because it can be packed compactly in the launch and cruise phase and it can be deployed to a large aerodynamic device in the atmospheric-entry phase. Our group has researched and developed this technology since 2000, focusing on a flare-type membrane aeroshell sustained by a single inflatable ring, especially. In our activity, the re-entry demonstration using a Japanese S-310 sounding rocket was carried out successfully in 2012. As a next millstone of our research and development, the re-entry demonstration from the low earth orbit is planned utilizing an opportunity for piggy-back satellites. The overview of the planned reentry demonstration is introduced in this paper. There are several important technical issues to overcome in order to realize this demonstration. Two important issues of these is also introduced. First topic is the structural strength tests using a low-speed wind tunnel to understand the structural strength of a large flare-type membrane aeroshell supported by a single inflatable ring. Second topic is an evaluation on the thermal durability of inflatable structures using a newly developed inductively coupled plasma heater.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technology Conferences
PublisherAIAA American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
ISBN (Electronic)9781624103360
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Event23rd AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technology Conference, 2015 - Daytona Beach, United States
Duration: Mar 30 2015Apr 2 2015

Publication series

NameAerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technology Conferences

Other

Other23rd AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technology Conference, 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDaytona Beach
Period3/30/154/2/15

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Development of flare-type inflatable membrane aeroshell for reentry demonstration from LEO'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this