What maneuver describes the active management used by lifting bodies to reduce immediate thermal load?

Answer

Deliberately 'porpoising'—making small, controlled ascents then diving back down.

Lifting bodies, unlike capsules which are largely locked into their descent path, possess the capability for active management of their trajectory to manage thermal stress. The maneuver described as 'porpoising' involves making small, controlled ascents back up into thinner air. This brief excursion reduces the immediate thermal load being absorbed. This is then immediately followed by a steeper dive back down into denser air to continue shedding the required orbital speed. This active balancing act ensures the vehicle slows down sufficiently without overloading its Thermal Protection System during the outward arc of the maneuver.

What maneuver describes the active management used by lifting bodies to reduce immediate thermal load?

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