New method tests magnet-powered braking for safer, more reusable spacecraft reentry

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a new system to test magnetohydrodynamic aerobraking for spacecraft reentry. The system uses a powerful electromagnet to generate intense magnetic fields, allowing the superheated plasma at the spacecraft's surface to be pushed further away while increasing aerodynamic drag. The electromagnet is powered by a pulse-forming network, which creates a strong magnetic field for a short period of time. In a test, the model is hit by a shock wave traveling at over seven kilometers per second for tens of microseconds in a hypersonic expansion tube. The team achieved field strengths of 1.24 and 1.58 tesla, more than double the field strength of conventional neodymium magnets. The self-emission layer was also observed to be more than 15% thicker with the field on. This work is a vital step toward planned tests of real reentry experiments and the development of a core technology for any future space mission involving reentry into an atmosphere.

The system is designed to track the arrival of the shock wave and precisely synchronize the magnetic field to its duration. The electromagnet is formed by a customizable set of coils and powered by a pulse-forming network. The team confirmed that fields of 1.24 and 1.58 tesla were created, with the latter more than double the field strength of conventional neodymium magnets. The self-emission layer was also observed to be more than 15% thicker with the field on. This work is a vital step toward planned tests of real reentry experiments and the development of a core technology for any future space mission involving reentry into an atmosphere.

The results show that magnetohydrodynamic aerobraking can reduce heat flow into the spacecraft and increase aerodynamic drag, which could make spacecraft reentry safer and more reusable. The system is a crucial stepping stone toward tests with real vessels in the atmosphere. The team's work is a vital step toward planned tests of real reentry experiments and the development of a core technology for any future space mission involving reentry into an atmosphere.

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