Aerodynamic Study of Successful Mars Entry Vehicles

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive aerodynamic study of successful Mars entry vehicles, focusing on the critical phases of Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL). The study explores the aerodynamic challenges posed by Mars' thin atmosphere and the high entry velocities of spacecraft. By analyzing previous Mars missions, we investigate key design parameters such as heat shield effectiveness, parachute deployment dynamics, and vehicle stability. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing vehicle geometry and thermal protection systems to withstand the intense aerothermal loads during entry. We also examine innovative deceleration technologies, including Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (HIADs) and Supersonic Retropropulsion (SRP), offering insights into their potential to enhance mission success. The results of this study provide valuable guidelines for the design and development of future Mars entry vehicles, contributing to ongoing efforts to improve landing accuracy and vehicle safety on the Martian surface.