Density, pressure, and temperature profiles of an unknown planetary atmosphere can be obtained from the high-speed entry of a probe provided the aerodynamic characteristics of the probe in this atmosphere are accurately known. An investigation of the effect of gas composition on probe aerodynamics has been conducted in the Ames Hypersonic Free Flight Facility by gun launching small-scale models into atmospheres representative of Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. Aerodynamic data at conditions matching the velocity and Reynolds number at a number of points on the Viking trajectory (Mars) were obtained in both air and carbon dioxide and significant differences were noted. Aerodynamic data are also presented from tests in hydrogen and hydrogen-helium mixtures, gases which characterize the atmospheres of the outer planets.
Flight characteristics of probes in the atmospheres of Mars, Venus, and the outer planets
International Astronautical Congress ; 1976 ; Anaheim, CA
1976-10-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
The atmospheres of Mars and Venus.
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