Thermal control subsystem design of a Saturn/Uranus atmospheric entry probe for descent missions to 20 bars.
A study of scientific probes to explore the atmospheres of Saturn and Uranus to depths of between 2 and 30 bars is summarized. The study assessed configuration tradeoffs of recommended exploratory payloads, determined the types and quantities of the thermal control devices required, and evaluated thermal structural details and viable mission alternatives. These results indicated that a vented probe design with an environmental pressurization system for the first 2.5 bars of descent would satisfy the requirements for missions to either Saturn or Uranus to depths of approximately 20 bars. Parametric atmospheric descent thermal analyses are discussed and the effect of worst-case atmospheric models and navigational arrival uncertainties on mission performance are presented.