Orion capsule re-entry (X-Space)

X-Space is an aerospace simulator I wrote. It runs as a plugin for X-Plane, making use of both X-Planes excellent aerodynamics, and additional physics (thermal, hypersonic, etc) written by me.

This video shows RV-550 capsule (Orion in real life) re-entry, starting from just above 100 km, and ending with parachute opening (the parachutes are incorrect, but that's a current limitation).

The heating is calculated based on the capsule shape. The plugin provides more or less nice model for this range of velocities.

This reentry path was a bit more rough than usual, with deacceleration of up to 10.5g. The usual ballistic reentry does not go above 8.5g, and the proper reentry would be even less.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Orion (constellation)
• Orion (Constellation Program)
• Constellation Program
• Crew Exploration Vehicle
• Space
• X-Plane
• xplane
• xspace
• X-Space
• spaceflight
• reentry
• re-entry
• atmospheric
• drag

[alanca03]

very impressive