// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Aeroshell
A protective outer shell designed to shield a spacecraft from intense heat and pressure during atmospheric entry.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
An aeroshell is a rigid, often blunt-shaped protective structure, typically comprising a heat shield and backshell, designed to encapsulate and protect a spacecraft from the extreme heat and aerodynamic forces encountered during high-speed atmospheric entry and descent.
BACKGROUND
Space-based solar power is the concept of collecting solar power in outer space with solar power satellites (SPS) and distributing it to Earth. Its advantages include a higher collection of energy due to the lack of reflection and absorption by the atmosphere, the possibility of very little night, and a better ability to orient to face the Sun. Space-based solar power systems convert sunlight to some other form of energy which can be transmitted through the atmosphere to receivers on the Earth's surface.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Heat shield
- Re-entry capsule
- Entry vehicle shell
- Thermal protection system (outer)
USAGE NOTE
The Mars rover Perseverance was protected by an aeroshell during its descent to the Martian surface.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Aeroshell.
JPL, a division of NASA, is a primary developer and manager of planetary exploration missions, including those requiring advanced aeroshells for atmospheric entry, descent, and landing (EDL) on bodies like Mars. They design, test, and oversee the fabrication of these crucial protective structures.
As a major aerospace prime contractor, Lockheed Martin designs and builds spacecraft and their components for government agencies like NASA. They are heavily involved in the development and manufacturing of aeroshells and thermal protection systems for missions such as the Orion capsule (for Earth re-entry) and various Mars landers.
ESA develops and operates a wide range of space missions, including planetary exploration probes that necessitate robust aeroshell technology for safe atmospheric entry. They conduct research and development for advanced thermal protection systems for their own missions like ExoMars.
Boeing is a leading global aerospace company that contributes to various space programs. They are involved in the development of crewed capsules like the CST-100 Starliner, which features a heat shield (a type of aeroshell) for Earth atmospheric re-entry, and have expertise in spacecraft structures and thermal protection systems.
Northrop Grumman provides critical technologies and systems for space missions. Their expertise in advanced materials, composite structures, and thermal management is directly applicable to the design and manufacture of aeroshells for various spacecraft and re-entry vehicles.
Spirit AeroSystems specializes in aerostructures for commercial and defense aircraft and space. They have contributed to the fabrication of complex composite structures for space vehicles, including elements that can be part of or related to aeroshells, providing high-strength and high-temperature resistant components.
JAXA is Japan's national aerospace and space agency, responsible for its space exploration programs. They develop their own re-entry capsules and planetary probes, necessitating the design and development of specialized aeroshells for sample return missions (e.g., Hayabusa) and atmospheric entry experiments.