Scale Reduction Methodology for Space Probe Aeroshell Testing

In the frame of technological activities for the study of Mars landing probes (MARSNET project), an innovative concept for the probe aeroshell was initially designed by Dassault under an ESA contract, based upon a mixed technology: an ablator-covered CFRP front-shield, surrounded by a C-SiC hot structure outer decelerator.

In order to get experimental validation of such a concept with a low-cost objective, a reduced scale test demonstrator of the full-scale concept has been designed.

A down-scaling methodology was therefore previously defined so as to keep as far as possible representativeness of the test conditions and results with respect to full scale design, while keeping the main design peculiarities for manufacturability demonstration.