How scientists tested the supersonic dynamic characteristics of the Tianwen-1 Mars Entry Capsule
Published Date: 1/20/2022
Source: phys.org
The Tianwen-1 Mars entry capsule successfully landed on the surface of Mars in southern Utopia planitia on May 14th, 2021 at 23:18 UTC. One of the biggest challenges it faced is that a typical blunt body such as the capsule suffers dynamic instability in during supersonic travel. Investigating the unstable Mach range of flight and confirming the design of the lander's aerodynamic shape and mass properties was key to achieve the Mars entry. In a research paper recently published in Space: Science & Technology, Haogong Wei from the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering conducted a ballistic range test to capture the supersonic dynamic characteristics of Tianwen-1.