Feasibility of Using Triton for an Aerogravity Assist

Analysis of using Triton as a viable target for aerogravity assist maneuvers has not previosuly been thoroughly explored. The current research provides detailed analysis to determine vehicle configurations and atmospheric entry conditions that could allow for successful aerogravity assist at Triton to capture into orbit about Neptune. Simulated trajectories of inflatable decelerators capable of producing lift were used to estimate vehicle conditions departing Triton. Typical high-thrust, interplanetary trajectories yield Triton atmospheric entry velocities in the range of 3 km/s to 13 km/s. Using these entry velocities numerical simulations were conducted for a vehicle simliar to the aeroshell in the LOFTID test. Results from the simulations include parameter sweeps of entry conditions for a number of atmospheric flight scenarios including ballistic, lifting, maneuvering, and jettisoning. Although tenuous, Triton’s atmosphere does provide enough energy dissipation and aerodynamic control for selected scenarios to perform an aerogravity maneuver without violating the overall heating constraints on the vehicle or penetrating too deeply into the atmosphere. However, the calculated peak corridor widths are only about 0.48° , requiring further investigation to widen the corridor and confirm feasibility.