The data returned from the successful Phoenix Mars Scout mission are analyzed in order to determine characteristics and behaviors of the supersonic parachute that was used to slow the entry body during its descent to the surface. At least one significant drag reduction event was observed when the vehicle was traveling at Mach 1.6; this is consistent with previously reported terrestrial high altitude testing and is likely associated with an area oscillation of the parachute. The parachute is shown to possess some lateral instability relative to the anti-velocity vector that is also at a level that is consistent with the same historic data. Ramifications of the lateral instability and, in particular, the unsteadiness in the parachute drag are discussed as energizing elements of the entry body wrist mode. The apparent coefficient of drag for the parachute is calculated and shown to have relatively small variations on an average basis over the supersonic portion of flight.
Phoenix Mars Scout parachute flight behavior and observations
2011-03-01
1027020 byte
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Mars Scout Phoenix Parachute System Performance
AIAA | 2009
|Mars Scout Phoenix Parachute System Performance
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2009
|Mars Scout Phoenix Parachute System Performance
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2009
|