Hypersonic static aerodynamics for Mars science laboratory entry capsule

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) entry capsule has been designed as a lifting entry for sufficient deceleration and precise landing performance. This paper presents the static aerodynamics analysis of the MSL capsule in the hypersonic entry process for exploration mission to Mars. Hypersonic static coefficients were derived from fully three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics solutions with a specified effective specific heat ratio on a typical trajectory state. Aerodynamic performance analysis ascertains the trim characteristics and static stability of the capsule with respect to the center of gravity (CG) location. Analysis results obtained show that CG location determines the trim characteristics and the static stability, and certain CG radial and axial shift alters the lifting entry performance, so that proper aerodynamic configuration and inner equipment layout is needed for CG adjustment to satisfy the static aerodynamics requirements.