The Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry Missions (CAPE) concept describes a high-performing Cubesat system which includes a propulsion module and miniaturized technologies capable of surviving atmospheric entry heating, while reliably transmitting scientific and engineering data. The Micro Return Capsule (MIRCA) is CAPEs first planetary entry probe flight prototype. Within this context, this paper briefly describes CAPEs configuration and typical operational scenario, and summarizes ongoing work on the design and basic aerodynamic characteristics of the prototype MIRCA vehicle. CAPE not only opens the door to new planetary mission capabilities, it also offers relatively low-cost opportunities especially suitable to university participation.
Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry (CAPE) Missions: Micro-Reentry Capsule (MIRCA)
2014
13 pages
Report
No indication
English
Astronomy & Astrophysics , Extraterrestrial Exploration , Nanosatellites , Small satellite technology , Space missions , Atmospheric entry , Spacecraft reentry , Prototypes , In-flight monitoring , Spacecraft stability , Computational fluid dynamics , Mission planning , Low earth orbits , Trajectory analysis
Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry Missions (CAPE)
NTIS | 2013
|Cubesat Application for Planetary Entry Missions (CAPE)
NTRS | 2013
|