The Planetary Entry System Synthesis Tool: A Conceptual Design and Analysis Tool for EDL Systems
Author(s)
Otero, Richard E.
Braun, Robert D.
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Abstract
Conceptual design of entry, descent, and landing
(EDL) systems requires models over several disciplines as
well as knowledge regarding the interactions between these
disciplines. To ease the conceptual development of an EDL
mission segment and to explore the mission design space, the
Planetary Entry Systems Synthesis Tool (PESST) was created.
The PESST framework estimates the performance and
mass of an entry system using user-defined geometry, aerodynamics,
flight mechanics, terminal descent guidance, thermal
response and mass estimation models. Trade studies can be
performed by parameter sweeps to gain an understanding of
the design space for conceptual studies.
Several standard atmospheres are available, and either a user defined
or GRAM atmospheric model may be used. In its
present form, PESST may be applied to entry studies for
Earth, Mars and Venus missions. This framework is broadly
applicable to the conceptual study of EDL systems.
A detailed presentation of the PESST tool and each discipline
model is provided along with comparisons to historical entry
missions for Earth, Mars and Venus. The PESST framework
for system level sizing and synthesis allows for the impact
of technologies such as inflatable aerodynamic decelerators
and guided terminal descent propulsion to be examined at
the mission design level. Closing conceptual designs about
these major discipline analyses models the effects of design
changes on entry mass, peak deceleration, propellant mass,
payload mass, and other mission level design constraints.
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Date
2010-03
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