RE-ENTRY SPACECRAFT Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: devices for recovery of payload, for example scientific equipment from orbit or ballistic trajectory. SUBSTANCE: spacecraft has case with payload arranged in it, parachute system in aft portion of case and separable part of stabilizing surface. Parachute compartment (close to symmetrical in shape) is projecting from of separation of stabilizing surface and is secured in this plane. Parameters of projection of this compartment are selected from the following relationships: L_pr/D_m>0,7 at D_pr/D_m>0,7, where D_pr is diameter of said projecting compartment, L_pr is length of projection of compartment, D_m is diameter of midsection of re-entry spacecraft after separation of stabilizing surface. Case of said projecting compartment is provided with separable aerodynamic hood which is engageable with external end surface of this compartment and separation mechanism which may be made in form of pyro cord. EFFECT: enhanced trimming of spacecraft during motion in atmosphere at large trimming angles (30-90 deg) at preset g-loads; no stringent requirements are improved on spread of mass and centering characteristics. 2 cl, 2 dwg