Steps Towards a Hypersonic Entry Test Platform

Breanna J. Johnson, Samuel M. Pedrotty, Stan A. Bouslog, Richard A. Hagen, William J. O’neill, Sarah N. D’Souza, Gregory S. Larsen, Corson L. Cramer, Donald E. Morr, Stephen R. Steffes, Matthew P. Fritz, Paul A. Detrempe, Daniela Rocca-Bejar, David A. Hoffman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Hypersonic flight introduces unique challenges to the mission and vehicle design process. Not only must a vehicle withstand the extreme temperatures and aerodynamic loads of atmospheric reentry, it must also deliver a payload to its targeted destination with precision. Compounding these challenges are limited opportunities for testing new technologies in these extreme environments due to the higher costs of reaching hypersonic speeds. This stymies progress in the state of the art for entry technologies. NASA is leveraging prior investments in cost-cutting technologies to create a low-cost, hypersonic fight test platform (HyperSTEP) for advancing entry technologies. Access to flight data from repeated testing will strengthen heritage tools and accelerate the maturation and infusion of new technologies into flagship missions. This paper will discuss the steps that have been taken toward HyperSTEP development and the technologies that would be advanced by its test flights.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624107115
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jan 8 2024Jan 12 2024

Publication series

NameAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024

Conference

ConferenceAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period01/8/2401/12/24

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