Aero Braking
AERO-BRAKE LAB
M/S PER PASS
Waiting for entry data...
Kinetic Sync
Delta-V Reduction. Converting orbital kinetic energy into thermal energy via atmospheric friction.
Equation: Δv = ∫ (D / m) dt
- 🏎️ Velocity: Hyperbolic Entry Speed.
- 📉 Decel: Negative Acceleration Vector.
- 🌌 Orbit: Capture Trajectory Lock.
Ballistic Sync
Ballistic Coefficient (β). The ability of the vehicle to overcome air resistance during the braking pass.
Equation: β = m / (Cd * A)
- 🛡️ Cd: Drag Coefficient Profile.
- 📏 Area: Cross-Sectional Surface.
- ⚖️ Mass: Inertial Resistance.
Thermal Sync
Heat Flux (q). Managing the stagnation point temperature at the leading edge of the vehicle.
Equation: q = C * √(ρ / r) * v³
- 🔥 Plasma: Ionized Gas Layer.
- 🌡️ Kelvin: Surface Temp Peaks.
- 🛡️ Shield: Ablative Dissipation.
Density Sync
Atmospheric Density (ρ). Calculating the exponential change in air density relative to altitude.
Equation: ρ = ρ₀ * e^(-h / H)
- ☁️ Scale: Height Gradient (H).
- 📉 Altitude: h-Factor Mapping.
- 💨 Fluid: Medium Concentration.
Apogee Sync
Apoapsis Reduction. Using drag at the periapsis to lower the high point (apogee) of the orbit.
Equation: Δra ≈ -2π * (Cd*A/m) * ρ * a²
- 🔄 Decay: Semi-Major Axis Shift.
- 📉 Height: Apogee Drop Rate.
- 🎯 Target: Final Orbit Lock.
Entry Sync
Periapsis Control (rp). Precision management of the lowest point in the orbit to prevent total reentry.
Equation: rp = R + hp
- 📍 Corridor: Survival Depth.
- ⚠️ Reentry: Over-capture Risk.
- 🛰️ Skip: Under-capture Risk.
Stability Sync
Center of Pressure (Cp). Aligning the aerodynamic center with the center of gravity to prevent tumbling.
Equation: M = q * A * d * Cm
- ⚖️ Torque: Restoring Moment.
- 🔄 AOA: Angle of Attack Lock.
- 🛡️ Trim: Passively Stable Flow.