Difference between revisions of "Aerobraking"
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| − | + | Aerobraking is a technique used by mission scientists to reduce the height of spacecraft orbits by allowing atmospheric drag to slow the spacecraft's velocity. Often the [[solar panel|solar panels]] onboard orbiters can be used to maximize and control the amount of drag applied to the craft. This technique will ultimately minimize the requirement for the use of [[propellant|propellants]] (to slow the craft down), thereby optimizing cost effectiveness. | |
This technique was used to great effect on missions such as the [[ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter]] in 2017, [[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter]] in 2006 and [[Mars Odyssey]] in 2001, and is standard practice when spacecraft are being inserted into orbit or when a reduction in velocity is required. | This technique was used to great effect on missions such as the [[ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter]] in 2017, [[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter]] in 2006 and [[Mars Odyssey]] in 2001, and is standard practice when spacecraft are being inserted into orbit or when a reduction in velocity is required. | ||
| + | === Aerocapture === | ||
| + | Aerocapture is a subcategory of aerobraking. Atmospheric drag is used to reduce velocity to a point the vehicle can enter a stable orbit with a minimum or no propellant burn. Aerocapture can be the prelude to descent and entry into the atmosphere. | ||
[[category:Spaceflight science]] | [[category:Spaceflight science]] | ||
Revision as of 11:59, 20 July 2019
Aerobraking is a technique used by mission scientists to reduce the height of spacecraft orbits by allowing atmospheric drag to slow the spacecraft's velocity. Often the solar panels onboard orbiters can be used to maximize and control the amount of drag applied to the craft. This technique will ultimately minimize the requirement for the use of propellants (to slow the craft down), thereby optimizing cost effectiveness.
This technique was used to great effect on missions such as the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter in 2017, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2006 and Mars Odyssey in 2001, and is standard practice when spacecraft are being inserted into orbit or when a reduction in velocity is required.
Aerocapture
Aerocapture is a subcategory of aerobraking. Atmospheric drag is used to reduce velocity to a point the vehicle can enter a stable orbit with a minimum or no propellant burn. Aerocapture can be the prelude to descent and entry into the atmosphere.
