The development of the Space Shuttle Orbiter thermal protection system heating environment is described from a design stand point that began in the early 1970s. The desire for a light weight, reusable heat shield required the development of new technology, relative to previous manned spacecraft, and a systems approach to the design of the vehicle, entry guidance, and thermal protection system. Several unanticipated issues had to be resolved in both the entry and ascent phases of flight, which are discussed at a high level. During the life of the Program, significant improvements in computing power and numerical methods have been applied to Space Shuttle aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic issues, with the Shuttle Program often being the motivation, and or sponsor of the analysis development.


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    Title :

    Legacy of the Space Shuttle from an Aerodynamic and Aerothermodynamic Perspective


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    AIAA Space 2011 Conference and Exposition ; 2011 ; Long Beach, CA, United States


    Publication date :

    2011-08-27


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    Legacy of the Space Shuttle From an Aerodynamic and Aerothermodynamic Perspective

    Martin, F. / American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2011




    Aerothermodynamic calculations for the Space Shuttle Orbiter

    HAEUSER, J. / MUYLAERT, J. / WONG, H. et al. | AIAA | 1992