SIAD-R: A Supersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator for Robotic missions to Mars

Abstract

Nomenclature A_Vehicle = Projected area of the vehicle prior to SIAD-R deployment A_Vehicle+SIAD = Projected area of the vehicle and deployed SIAD-R Cd_Vehicle = Drag coefficient of the vehicle prior to SIAD-R deployment Cd_Vehicle+SIAD = Drag coefficient of the vehicle and deployed SIAD-R ∆(CdA) = Change in the product of drag coefficient and projected area due to SIAD-R deployment LDSD = Low Density Supersonic Decelerator Program MSL = Mars Science Laboratory P = Gauge pressure of the inflation gas inside the SIAD-R Q = Dynamic pressure Q:P = Ratio of the instantaneous dynamic pressure to instantaneous SIAD-R inflation pressure R&R = Retention and release assembly SFDT = Supersonic flight dynamics testing SIAD-R = Supersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator for Robotic-class missions