CHESS Keynote: "The Dragonfly Entry and Descent System"

3 pm May 5
Campus Instructional Facility (CIF), 1405 Springfield Avenue, Room 0027

Abstract

Dragonfly is a New Frontiers class mission that will send a nuclear powered octocopter to the surface of Titan for an extended science mission. The spacecraft will launch in 2027 and arrive at Titan in 2033. This presentation will provide an overview of the Entry and Descent system that is under development to ensure the safe delivery of this unique “relocatable lander” to Titan, with an emphasis on some of the key technical challenges that the team is addressing.

Biography

Michael Wright received his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1997 and has worked at NASA Ames Research Center since that time, specializing in Entry, Descent and Landing technologies, aerothermodynamics, and thermal protection systems. He is the primary developer of the aerothermodynamics code “DPLR,” 2007 NASA software of the year, and has supported EDL for many flight missions, including Orion, MSL, Stardust, Phoenix, and Huygens. Michael is the EDL Phase-Lead for the Dragonfly mission to Titan, and serves concurrent roles as the deputy lead for the Agency EDL Strategic Capabilities Leadership Team and the Project Scientist for the Entry Systems Modeling Project.