Shock Layer Radiation Modeling (SLRM)

Model and tool development to imrpove understanding and decrease uncertainties in the modeling of shock layer radiation produced during planetary entry.

This work benefits all NASA missions with an EDLsegment, including return from the moon. Workto date hasdirectlyimpacted thedesignof InSight, Osiris-Rex, Orion, andMars2020, including defining the radiative heating margin policies for those missions. The work directly benefits efforts to return engineering data from flight missions, including Orion and Mars 2020 The work directly benefits Discovery, New Frontiers and Flagship proposal activities in SMD; radiative heating is typically the largest heating uncertainty, and the perceived risk derived from poor knowledge of entry environments can impact selectability of proposed missions.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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