VAPRE: A tool to support the design optimization of planetary entry probe missions
The importance of the atmospheric data collected by planetary entry probes has been emphasized since the results of Galileo in 1995 and are reflected in the interest . The results add to our fundamental understanding about the formation and the evolution of our solar system. Of special interest are the Outer Planets Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, serving as missing puzzle pieces to the existing data sets. In order to maximize the data and science return from those missions, the tool VAPRE is developed to facilitate the design optimization of planetary entry probe missions by increasing the trade-space. Using a data set of interplanetary trajectories, it assesses the change in availability and accessibility of entry sites on the planets with respect to their latitudes depending on the hyperbolic arrival velocity. In this paper, we introduce the motivation behind the implementation of VAPRE, the science and engineering input gathered to bridge the knowledge between both fields, the design structure of the implementation as well as the significance and future development and potential of the tool VAPRE for future mission concept developments for planetary probe and lander missions.