A rigorous multi-discipline approach has been developed to compute the aero/thermal/structural response of the Cassini Spacecraft’s G_eneral P_urpose H_eat S_ource (GPHS) modules in the unlikely event of accidental reentry of the spacecraft during its Earth gravity-assist maneuver. A new r_eacting, a_blating, c_hemical e_quilibrium/nonequilibrium with r_adiation (RACER) full Navier-Stokes code is applied, along with an in-depth, transient-heating code, a nonlinear structural analysis code, and a six-degree-of-freedom flight-dynamics code. Attention is focused on the GPHS modules that would breakaway from the R_adioisotope T_hermoelectric G_enerators (RTGs) at high altitude. In addition, detailed analyses are performed to determine the survival/failure of the Graphite Impact Shells that would be released if the GPHS fails. The reentry velocity of the GPHS module (20 km/sec) is higher than any previously analyzed Earth reentry trajectory.


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    Title :

    Analysis of the inadvertent reentry of the Cassini Spacecraft’s Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators



    Conference:

    Space technology and applications international forum -1999 ; 1999 ; Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)


    Published in:

    AIP Conference Proceedings ; 458 , 1 ; 1351-1358


    Publication date :

    1999-01-22


    Size :

    8 pages





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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