Survey of CO2 radiation experimental data in relation with planetary entry

Abstract

This paper focuses on a survey of experimental data related to radiation into CO2 plasma flows, which are encountered during Mars and Venus entries. The review emphasizes on VUV and IR radiation, since recent experimental efforts has been devoted to these wavelength ranges since they contribute mostly to CO2 plasma radiation. The main objective of the study is to identify the most attractive datasets for future crosscheck comparisons with the results obtained during future test campaigns with ESTHER shock-tube. The survey accounts for the results obtained in shock-tubes, expansion tube and plasma arc-jets for Mars and Venus test campaigns. The experimental results obtained for propulsion related studies have also been considered.