NAWCWD Supports JPL Landing Tech Update

摘要

Beginning in 2012, NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) began a test program to demonstrate new Entry Descent and Landing (EDL) technologies for landing on Mars. The goal is to be able to land heavier rovers more accurately and at higher altitude locations on Mars. The two major efforts were the Supersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decel-erator (SIAD) and the Parachute Design Verification (PDV) tests. JPL selected China Lake's Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Tracks (SNORT) and the Crew Systems Group to conduct their tests. SIAD was part of the overall Low Density Supersonic Decelerator project for Mars lander aerodynamic decelerator technology development. The goal of the SIAD design verification tests was to demonstrate an inflatable decelerator at same dynamic pressure as would occur at Mach 2 at high altitude on Mars (roughly 250 mph on Earth). The test required the world's tallest rocket sled-35 feet to the top of the capsule-that weighed in at 50,000 pounds and was powered by six Nike rocket motors as it barreled down the SNORT.