Configuration Design of Space Capsule Considering Pitching Moment Coefficient and Static Stability Factor

The main purpose of this study is to determine the initial configuration of suborbital manned spacecraft in the conceptual design phase. During the suborbital flight path, stability of capsule is very important factor for the success of the mission. For this purpose, in this study using conventional manned spacecraft geometries which are generally blunt-cone shape, 5 configurations of space capsule are proposed. The configurations are numerically investigated during reentry phase at altitude of the 25 km from earth surface with Mach number 3.15 for different angles of attack. In order to determine longitudinal static stability characteristics of configurations during re-entry phase, the pitching moment coefficients of configurations are studied and compared to each other. Finally, the optimal configuration of the space capsule considering system requirements and base on the suitable static stability and volumetric efficiency is proposed.