10.2514/6.2023-4614">
 

Commercial Space Rescue Vehicle Reentry Concepts of Operation using Six Degree-Of-Freedom Analysis

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-23-2023

Abstract

This research explores potential Concepts of Operation for select commercial crewed space vehicles deemed candidates for in-space Personnel Recovery operations and medical evacuations. The technical work evaluates manned space vehicles through six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) and three-degree-of-freedom (3DOF) analysis to determine safe yet expedited return maneuvers indexed against atmospheric re-entry hazards. Capsules are compared to lifting body designs based on figures of merit to minimize the risk to the survivor based on the intense aerothermodynamic effects experienced during re-entry, and the procedures to reach definitive medical attention under time-constrained prioritization. The analysis informs medical professionals who are advising mission commanders when determining if the patient will survive the physiological impacts of re-entry. This research examines the total mission duration under each design, patient handling considerations, terminal re-entry, and post-landing logistics. The experiment outputs specific deceleration ("G-forces") associated with re-entry and emphasizes physiological concerns. The findings are shaped to inform future research into the physiological impacts on patients, and U.S. Space Command mission support integration.

Comments

Conference Session: Space Medicine and Human Health

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Source Publication

Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery Conference, ASCEND 2023

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