Limits of Simulating Gas Giant Entry at True Gas Composition and True Flight Velocities in an Expansion Tube

Due to high entry velocities when entering gas giant planets in the solar system (20-50 km/s), simulating gas giant entry in ground testing facilities is a complex problem. This paper details an investigation to simulate radiating Uranus entry flow conditions in a superorbital expansion tube facility. Theoretical calculations show that the X2 expansion tube at the University of Queensland can simulate Uranus entry at 20 km/s. This paper provides the justification for an experimental campaign that has been partially completed, but is still being analysed.