Shock Layer Radiation Measurements for Planetary ProbesShock layer radiation to a planetary probe's heat shield has been investigated since the 1960's, using ground tests, flight tests, and theoretical modelling. Radiometers and a spectrometer were embedded in the TPS of NASA's earlier Project FIRE II, Apollo 4 and 6, as well as PAET. PAET is particularly relevant to planetary probes since it successfully demonstrated detecting the atmospheric composition using shock-layer radiometry. The NASA Orion program and Mars 2020 include and propose for future use embedded small scale, low-mass radiometers and mini-spectrometers. Recent work used a specific COTS fiber-optic mini-spectrometer, selected for wide wavelength range for testing flexibility. In proof of concept tests, these mini-spectrometers detected the strongest Na and K spectral lines in both Arcjet test and Laser tests, with thermal radiation. Characterization and tests of the radiometer and spectrometer devices components is described.
Document ID
20180004154
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
White, Susan (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Miller, Ruth (Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. Moffett Field, CA, United States)
MacDonald, Megan (Jacobs Technology, Inc. Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Cruden, Brett (Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. Moffett Field, CA, United States)