Magnetohydrodynamic Aerobraking for Spacecraft Entry to Earth's Atmosphere

从火星返回的宇宙飞船在进入地球大气层时将经历前所未有的空气动力学加热。磁流体动力学空气制动涉及对以这些速度在航天器周围形成的等离子体施加强磁场，理论上通过减少结构热负荷和实现不太严重的飞行轨迹来保护航天器。该项目旨在对从深空返回地球的这一技术进行实验研究。这是重要的，因为它将评估一种新的机制，用于管理行星进入时的巨大热负荷。预期的成果和好处将是开发一种新技术，以减少航天器的加热，从而使航天器更安全，更有效，并有可能重复使用。

A spaceship returning from Mars will undergo unprecedented aerodynamic heating as it enters Earth's atmosphere. Magnetohydroynamic aerobraking involves applying a strong magnetic field to the plasma which forms around the spacecraft at these speeds, theoretically protecting it by reducing structural heat loads and enabling less severe flight trajectories. This project aims to experimentally study this technology for Earth return from deep space. It is significant because it will evaluate a new mechanism for managing the tremendous heat loads of planetary entry. The expected outcome and benefit will be development of a new technology to reduce spacecraft heating, leading to safer, more efficient, and potentially reusable spacecraft.