By Lily Lewis, Originally published by Michigan Aerospace
When we think about space missions, our minds often drift to unforgettable moments from the Apollo missions, the Space Shuttle Orbiter, or blockbuster movies. Among the many lasting memories from these endeavors, the image of the spacecraft engulfed in fiery plasma before safely landing back on Earth may be the most significant, as it symbolizes a successful mission. At the University of Michigan Department of Aerospace Engineering, researchers are working to better understand the complex scientific and engineering efforts behind these awe-inspiring scenes to ensure our astronauts continue to get home safely.
The research group of Professor Chris Limbach, in partnership with MetroLaser Inc., has received a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award to make space travel as safe as possible by developing technology to better predict spacecraft re-entry radiation. With NASA’s Artemis missions aiming to take us back to the moon and even farther to Mars, ensuring our spacecraft are designed to withstand the intense heat of re-entry is more crucial than ever.