SPACECRAFT FOR DESCENT IN ATMOSPHERE OF PLANET AND METHOD OF ITS DESCENT (VARIANTS) Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: rocketry and space engineering; designing descent vehicles at aerodynamic efficiency. SUBSTANCE: proposed spacecraft includes heat-insulated case with blunt nose part, upper and lower parts and bottom protection, as well as landing units. Case is provided with aft control panel which is split along axis of symmetry for yaw and roll control channels. Lower part of case and bottom protection are spherical in form. Spacecraft is additionally provided with at least two side panels for control of flight range, trimming and stabilization in yaw channel. Axes of turn of panels lie on side surface of aft part of spacecraft case. At descent, side panels are deflected together with aft split panel through similar or different angles, thus ensuring proper stabilization or trimming in yaw channel from hypersonic to supersonic speeds. Invention makes it possible to exclude (make redundant) gas-jet system for control in yaw and roll channels. EFFECT: reduced consumption of working medium; reduction of case heating; improved maneuverability and service characteristics. 4 cl, 8 dwg