Thermal and aerodynamic experimental testing for full scale models of 465 descent modules with inflatable braking device

Research on high temperature flexible materials has recently demonstrated their applicability to inflatable reentry capsules in the framework of the Inflatable Reentry Device Technology (IRDT) program, developed for ESA by the Babakin Space Center and Astrium. The front shield of such vehicles is the Inflatable Braking Device (IBD) fixed to a payload. This design makes it possible to improve spacecraft entry size and mass characteristics. The IBD of such a descent module (DM) is in a packed position during transportation and it is deployed just before the planet atmospheric entry. The deployed IBD can have any predetermined aerodynamic configuration. DM in form of 90-deg-angle cone is described. The Thermal Protective System (TPS) for the IBD of this DM consists of heat absorbing and thermal insulating packets. The serviceability of this TPS, integrated in full-scale mock-up of IBD DM (2.32-m diameter), has been tested at a ground-based facility. A full-scale IBD DM mock-up testing has demonstrated the TPSs applicability to protect the DM against heat loading during orbital reentry in the Earth atmosphere.