Posts about SpaceX Red Dragon
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Discussion on how SpaceX will test Red Dragon systems including EDL.
I imagine that SpaceX will want to gain flight data when using the SuperDracos during supersonic high altitude flight to simulate the Mars atmosphere.
IMO SpaceX has two options when it comes to testing EDL:
Use Dragonfly (with a payload simulator similar to planned Mars experiments) and
F9Rreused F9 from the in-flight abort test (assuming they recover theF9RF9 after the experiment). In this scenarioF9RF9 flies dragon to ~60-70 km(again assuming that F9R has enough delta-v to perform this task)and release Dragonfly at supersonic speed. Then have Dragonfly ignite the SuperDracos and perform the test. This test would be very similar to the HIAD test. After the test they could have the Dragonfly either do a propulsive landing experiment or just have it deploy a parachute. The only problems I could see this having would be releasing Dragonfly fromF9RF9 in the atmosphere. Would the drag cause it to slam back into the booster? Also if Dragonfly performed a 180 degree maneuver after being released would it RUD from pressure? I guess to solve these problems they could have it release from 100 km or so and have it reenter.Also if F9R does not have enough delta-v they could always use a previously used F9 core.After a Dragon 2 mission to the ISS have it re-enter and perform the same task as #1. Doesn't seem like the best way to obtain data however because Dragon 2 would most likely have a somewhat different mass since it was optimized for an ISS mission. Having said that the Dragon 2 would be going much faster as it is re-entering from orbit which would be somewhat more similar to a Red Dragon entry profile.
Let me hear everyone's thoughts about what you think SpaceX plans on doing to test the Red Dragon.
Note: I've discussed this topic in many threads, but I think that this post is necessary to do it justice. Also I understand that this is just early speculation and there isn't much known about the Red Dragon or its final payload to Mars.
Edit: Clarification. Removed F9R as F9R-Dev2 won't be flying. Credit: /u/EchoLogic.
Update: The science behind SpaceXโs ambitious plan to land a spacecraft on Mars Resource: SETI Talks Slightly outdated, but great resource none the less. Gives an idea about EDL phase of Red Dragon.