行星探测中的大气制动技术研究进展

ADVANCES OF AEROBRAKING TECHNOLOGY IN THE PLANETARY MISSION

大气制动技术正成为一种有效的行星探测技术,该技术利用目的行星的大气阻力作用来减缓探测器的速度以达到预定轨道,不需要或很少使用携带的燃料进行反推减速入轨,能够降低行星探测器的发射成本,增加探测器的入轨有效载荷.本文描述了大气制动的特点,以及NASA成功应用大气制动技术的4次行星探测任务,重点评述了大气制动期间气体动力学特性和轨道模拟的研究情况,并对大气制动技术的风险性和成本分析进行了总结.最后,指出了今后大气制动技术研究和发展的重点.

Aerobraking is becoming an efficient technique for the planetary mission. It uses planetary atmosphere drag to slow down the spacecraft and achieve the desired orbit, and this technique that allows reduced propellant mass can minimize the cost of the exploration mission and increase the payload capability. This paper describes the features of aerobraking operations and presents four NASA planetary missions having successfully used aerobraking technique. In particular, research progress in aerodynamics and trajectory simulation during aerobraking is reviewed, and the risks and cost analysis associated with aerobraking are summarized., Focuses in the studies on aerobraking technique are pointed out at the end of paper, and some suggestions about further investigations are also made.