An overview of the reconstruction analyses performed for the Stardust capsule entry is described. The resultsnindicate that the actual entry was very close to the preentry predictions. The capsule landed 8.1 kmnorth–northwestnof the desired target at the Utah Test and Training Range. Analyses of infrared video footage and radar range datan(obtained fromtracking stations) during the descent showthat the drogue parachute deploymentwas 4.8 s later thannthe preentry prediction, whereas themain parachute deployment was 19.3 s earlier than the preset timer, indicatingnthat the main deployment was actually triggered by the backup baroswitch. Reconstruction of a best estimatedntrajectory revealed that the aerodynamic drag experienced by the capsule during hypersonic flightwas within 1%ofnpreentry predictions. Observations of the heatshield support the preentry estimates of small hypersonic angles ofnattack, because therewas very little, if any, charring of the shoulder region or the aftbody.Through this investigation,nan overall assertion can bemade that all the data gathered fromthe Stardust capsule entrywere consistentwith flightnperformance close to nominal preentry predictions. Consequently, the design principles andmethodologies used fornthe flight dynamics, aerodynamics, and aerothermodynamics analyses have been corroborated.
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