Brooke Harper
Papers
1
Total Citations
5
H-Index
1
About
Brooke Harper’s research centers on hypersonic entry systems and deployable aeroshell technologies for planetary exploration, with a particular focus on enabling high-mass Mars missions. Her most cited work, “Asymmetrically Stacked Tori Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator Design Study for Mars Entry” (2014, 5 citations), addresses a critical bottleneck in future Mars exploration: the inability of current rigid aeroshells to support larger payloads. Harper’s study systematically evaluates the performance of an innovative, asymmetrically stacked torus configuration for Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (HIADs), demonstrating how this design can achieve stable entry while accommodating increased mass. By providing a foundational design framework and aerodynamic analysis, her work directly supports the development of next-generation entry architectures that could one day deliver heavier landers, habitats, or sample return vehicles to the Martian surface. Though early in her citation impact, Harper’s contribution is notable for its forward-looking engineering approach, bridging the gap between current technology and the ambitious payload requirements of future planetary science missions. Her research remains a key reference for engineers and mission planners seeking scalable, deployable solutions for atmospheric entry.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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