Abstract-
The current status of aerothermal modeling for planetary exploration missions
will be discussed. For such missions the accuracy of our simulations is
limited not by the tools and processes currently employed, but rather by
correctable deficiencies in the underlying physical models. Improving the
accuracy of the models and reducing the uncertainties in these models will
enable a greater understanding of the system level impacts of a particular
thermal protection system and of the system operation and risk over the
operational life of the system. A strategic plan will be layed out by which
key aerothermal uncertainties can be identified via mission-specific gap
analysis. Once the gaps have been identified, the key uncertainties driving
our ability to accurately and conservatively predict a given aerothermal
environment are determined via sensitivity analyses, and the results are used
to plan focussed testing aimed at reducing these key uncertainties. The
results of these tests are then used to validate or modify existing physical
models. Examples of this sort of analysis for potential Titan aerocapture and
Mars Science Laboratory missions will be shown.
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