Aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics analyses of a earth-re-entry capsule for sample return mission in the framework of rastas spear project

This paper deals with the computational fluid dynamics analysis of a capsule entering the Earth atmosphere, at the end of a sample return mission. Several two-dimensional axis-symmetric simulations have been performed to assess the flowfield environment past a sphere-cone capsulc, by using non-equilibrium reacting gas approximations. Heat shield ablation and effects of flow plasma radiation on capsule aeroheating are also accounted for, also if in a non-coupled approach with the flowfield analysis, the issue of aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic performance of the entry spacecraft in the framework of a super-orbital re-entry scenario is addressed.