How to aerocapture?

[YL3GDY]

Hi All,

I've been recently trying to aerocapture Venus from an interplanetar trajectory with DGIV. The speed was about 11.71 km/s. But I got problem: if I adjust periapsis to >=97 km, glider passes it OK, but the speed reduces only by 300-400 m/s, which is unsufficient. If I adjust periapsis to <96 km, glider simply burns out in the atmosphere.

I am using default reentry autopilot (PRO104) set on 40 deg. AoA, and OrbitMFD+AerobrakeMFD for navigation and adjusting.

So how to aerocapture correctly?

 

[Belisarius]

I always use Aerobrake MFD to help me find the right angle, but it doesn't give you good information until you're under 200km alt. I think your basic problem is a steep approach angle. It's possible also that the slim shape of the DGIV isn't appropriate for this kind of maneuver, have you tried it with something like the LTV, which has a big wide aeroshield?

Finally, at the speed you're coming in, it may just not be possible to aerocapture. Have you tried coming in a little slower?