aerobrakes
Spacecraft atmospheric drag
Aerobrakes are devices that use atmospheric drag to slow a spacecraft, typically deployed as panels or surfaces that increase air resistance during reentry or orbital maneuvers.
The technique, called aerobraking, allows spacecraft to decelerate without expending fuel: The probe used aerobrakes to settle into a lower orbit around Mars.
Protective layer against friction
- plasmaElectrified matter state
- trajectoryPath of moving object
- descentDownward slope or lineage
- capsuleEnclosed dose container
ablation · deceleration · blackout · splashdown · parachutes · g-forces · overheat · survivability
Curved celestial path
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- dockingConnecting to a port
- rendezvousScheduled meeting at agreed location
- thrustersPropulsion devices for steering
module · capsule · propulsion · trajectory · payload · telemetry · retrograde · delta-v
Protective layer against friction
Movement-producing mechanisms
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- hydraulicsStudy of pressurized liquids
- panelsFlat rectangular sections
- flapsHinged control surfaces
servomechanism · mechanical · modulation · extension · retraction · hinged · automation · kinematics
Remove unnecessary elements
- turbulenceChaotic flow patterns
- vortexRotating fluid column
- wakePath left in water
- hypersonicFaster than Mach five
heatshield
Protective layer against friction
- plasmaElectrified matter state
- trajectoryPath of moving object
- descentDownward slope or lineage
capsule · ablation · deceleration · blackout · splashdown · parachutes · g-forces · overheat · survivability · recovery
orbit
Curved celestial path
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- dockingConnecting to a port
- rendezvousScheduled meeting at agreed location
thrusters · module · capsule · propulsion · trajectory · payload · telemetry · retrograde · delta-v · deorbit
heatshield
Protective layer against friction
titanium · heat-resistant · lightweight · reinforced · insulation
actuators
Movement-producing mechanisms
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- hydraulicsStudy of pressurized liquids
- panelsFlat rectangular sections
flaps · servomechanism · mechanical · modulation · extension · retraction · hinged · automation · kinematics
streamline
Remove unnecessary elements
- turbulenceChaotic flow patterns
- vortexRotating fluid column
- wakePath left in water
aerobrakesthrusters
Propulsion devices for steering
boosters · rocket engines · propulsion systems · accelerators · afterburners