How does deceleration control differ between blunt-body capsules and winged vehicles?

Answer

Winged vehicles use aerodynamic lift to spread energy dissipation over a greater distance and time.

The method of energy management differs significantly based on vehicle design. Blunt-body capsules rely on their inherent shape to maximize drag quickly, meaning the braking event is relatively fixed by physics and happens over a short duration. In contrast, winged vehicles, like the Space Shuttle, leverage aerodynamic lift. This lift allows pilots or autopilot systems to actively manage the deceleration path, spreading the dissipation of the total kinetic energy over a much longer distance and time. This spreading reduces the peak heating rate experienced at any single moment, providing a gentler overall thermal experience.

How does deceleration control differ between blunt-body capsules and winged vehicles?

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