Survey of European and Major ISC Facilities for Supporting Mars and Sample Return Mission Aerothermodynamics and Tests Required for Thermal Protection System and Dynamic Stability

Table 3

Characteristics of European facilities for TPS testing.

Name	Heat-flux (MW/m^2)	Stagnation pressure (bar)	Running time	Model size (mm)	Measurements	Remarks
SIMOUN (for CO2)	Stagnation point: up to 1.3; Flat plate: up to 0.7	Up to 0.1	Up to 5 min	Stagnation point: 70; Flat plate: 300 ∗ 300 ∗ 150 thick	Behaviour of sample specimen under flux and pressure constraints	The flux and pressure can be stationary as well as dynamic. Dust-loaded flows possible
L3K (for air)	Up to 4	n.a.	<1800 s	280 ∗ 350 ∗ 70	Total enthalpy, pressure, entry relevant gas composition, velocity gradient, shear stresses	High enthalpy flow properties Dust-loaded flows possible
Plasmatron (air)	Up to 2.9	Up to 0.15	Up to 1 hour	50	Static pressure, stagnation pressure, temperature, heat flux	Aerothermal testing of TPS elements. Ageing tests of reusable thermal protection materials