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Systems Engineering Portfolio
 
Low-Mass
Aeroshell
Space
Reentry
Vehicle
Future planetary exploration missions will require
innovative solutions to decelerate space vehicles upon atmospheric
entry. These vehicles will need protection from extreme reentry
heating conditions without increasing system weight or energy
consumption. New aerobraking systems must provide additional surface
area for deceleration without adding to vehicle weight or stowed
volume. NASA’s In-Space Propulsion Technology Program is
funding CRG to develop a low-mass deployable aeroshell mechanism
activated by a unique shape memory polymer (SMP) called Veriflex®.
In CRG’s design, a large surface area, SMP-activated
aeroshell will stow in a highly compact pre-launch configuration
and later self-deploy to its operating configuration, locking
in place prior to atmospheric entry. The low-mass deployable aeroshell
decelerator deploys with a hinge activated by the SMP.
Shape
Memory
Technology
This
vehicle
reentry
innovation
is
possible
through
shape
memory
technology.
In
CRG’s
design,
the
SMP
actuator
will
deploy
the
aeroshell
extension
during
transit
through
deep
space,
well
before
entering
the
atmosphere.
Once
deployed,
the
aeroshell
extension
will
lock
in
place
for
atmospheric
entry.
CRG
has
been
demonstrating
the
utility
of
Veriflex
in
a
wide
range
of
advanced
technological
systems,
including
morphing
aircraft,
deployable
space
structures,
and
“smart”
tooling
for
composite
part
manufacturing.
CRG’s
expertise
in
tailoring
the
characteristics
of
shape
memory
polymers
allows
the
engineering
of
these
materials
to
meet
various
environmental
and
system
performance
requirements.
As
NASA
and
commercial
space
activities
grow,
so
will
the
need
to
find
reliable
methods
of
vehicle
reentry.
SMP-hinged
deployable
space
structures
offer
a
low-mass,
low-energy
means
of
decelerating
mission
payloads
safely
to
planetary
surfaces.
Benefits:
•
Low-energy
actuation
•
Precision
deployment
•
Increased
aeroshell
surface
area
for
improved
braking
•
Low
system
weight
penalty
•
Reduced
design
and
fabrication
complexity
•
Compatibility
with
current
thermal
protection
materials
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