Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) Crew Module shape selection analysis and CEV Aeroscience Project Overview

Abstract

This paper details how NASA selected the shape of the CEV (Crew Exploration Vehicle) Crew Module (CM) and describes the approach used to develop the associated aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic databases. The shape study discussion provides information on the analysis performed to derive the CM shape. Many classes of vehicles were assessed, including capsules, slender bodies, lifting bodies, and winged vehicles. It was determined that a capsule shape similar to Apollo provided the best balance of risk, cost, and performance. After selecting the shape, the CEV Aerosciences Project (CAP) was formed to be responsible for producing the aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic databases for all phases of flight (on-orbit aero, RCS plume environments, nominal entry, ascent aborts, etc). The CAP team includes equal representation from NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC), Ames Research Center (ARC), and Langley Research Center (LaRC). This team leverages NASA’s expertise in both analytical and experimental techniques in the fields of aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics.