Copyright © 2012 Tech Science Press FDMP, vol.8, no.4, pp.453-476, 2012 Aerothermodynamic and Feasibility Study of a Deployable Aerobraking Re-Entry Capsule R. Savino 1 and V. Carandente 1 Abstract: A new small recoverable re-entry capsule with deployable heat shield is analyzed. The possible utilization of the capsule is for safe Earth return of sci- ence payloads or data from low Earth orbit at an inexpensive cost, taking advantage of its deployable structure to perform an aerobraking re-entry mission, with rela- tively low heat and mechanical loads. The system concept for the heat shield is based on umbrella-like frameworks and existing ceramic fabrics. An aerothermo- dynamic analysis is developed to show that the peak heat flux, for a capsule with a ballistic coefficient lower than 10 kg/m 2 , is in the range 250-350 kW/m 2 and the corresponding surface temperatures are sustainable by off-the-shelf ceramic mate- rials. The article summarizes the main concept and the numerical predictions concern- ing the re-entry trajectories, the aero-thermal loads, the possibility to control the re-entry trajectory varying the capsule cross-sectional surface. Attention is focused on the effect of the material surface catalyticity on the surface heat flux, in pres- ence of reacting gas mixtures formed behind the strong shock wave in front of the capsule. Keywords: Atmospheric re-entry, hypersonic flows, aerodynamic de-orbit, ma- terials surface catalyticity. 1 Introduction In recent years there has been a wider interest for small space platforms (micro- satellites and nano-satellites), mainly used in traditional space fields, such as remote sensing for Earth’s environmental protection, prevention of natural disasters and homeland security. Other applications include scientific experiments or technology, space exploration, observation of the universe, astrophysics, biology or physical sciences in microgravity. 1 Department of Aerospace Engineering (DIAS), University of Naples “Federico II”, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy