Scientists from the Space Transportation Technology department participated in the 3rd conference on “Flight Vehicles, Aerothermodynamics and Re-entry” (FAR) from 18 to 22 May in Arcachon, France, unofficially forming the largest group of participants at the event.
The team presented a wide range of the current research work at IRS from innovative measurement techniques for high-enthalpy flow field characterization to numerical modeling of non-equilibrium flows, from sustainable space transportation to Very Low Earth orbit technologies.
The focus on the numerical modeling side was on non-equilibrium flows. New methods were presented to simulate complex re-entry environments - including catalytic processes, non-equilibrium plasma physics and chemical reactions. In addition, new numerical droplet combustion models were introduced, relevant to scramjet propulsion systems. Modeling advancements also extended to Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), where an enhanced atomic oxygen reflection model was shown to improve the aerodynamic design of satellites. To further strengthen research capabilities in this area, initial numerical and experimental characterizations of a future VLEO facility were also presented.
Experimental results were shown from new plasma wind tunnel experiments for the entry into the atmospheres of gas giants, a particular challenge for future exploration missions. Moreover, results from destructive re-entry experiments of satellite materials were shown including a next step towards its environmental impact. A particular highlight of the experiments was the presentation of first results from the airborne observation campaign of ESA's Cluster satellite. Further experimental work focused on surface temperature measurements of samples exposed to high-enthalpy flow, using a near-infrared spectrometer for wavelength pyrometry.
Other presentations addressed the environmental impact of re-entry emissions, helping assess the ecological footprint of future space systems. Another key topic was the development of “Design not to Demise” strategies for rocket upper stages, aiming to enable reusability and promote efficient resource use.