Vehicle Analysis Branch – Activities
Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL)
![](https://sacd.larc.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/167/2016/06/edl_slider-300x120.png)
As NASA plans missions to the Moon and Mars, VAB analyzes the Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) trajectory of America’s spacecraft.
Hypersonics
![](https://sacd.larc.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/167/2022/03/Hypersonics-project-page.png)
VAB provides significant support to NASA Aeronautics Research Directorate’s (ARMD) Hypersonic Technology Project (HTP).
HL-20
![](https://sacd.larc.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/167/2020/08/13HL-20-300x118.jpg)
HL-20 was a spaceplane concept studied by VAB. The design uses a lifting body configuration, capable of a conventional runway landing.
NESC Independent Assessments
![](https://sacd.larc.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/167/2016/06/NESC_slider-300x120.png)
VAB ensures the safety of American astronauts by providing an independent assessment for the NASA Engineering & Safety Center (NESC).
Space Launch System
![](https://sacd.larc.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/167/2016/06/sls_slider-300x120.png)
As NASA develops its most powerful exploration rocket, VAB is making significant contributions to the trajectory and separation analysis.
Orion Crew Module ———————————-
![](https://sacd.larc.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/167/2018/11/orion-e1543265329225-300x120.jpg)
VAB used simulation software to test flight controls and system capabilities of Orion, which will take the first woman and next man to the Moon.
Hercules
![](https://sacd.larc.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/167/2022/03/Hercules-project-page.png)
VAB personnel have been developing Hercules, an efficient, cost-effective and reusable method of bringing humans to and from Mars.
Mars Swing
![](https://sacd.larc.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/167/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2018-11-27-at-1.04.19-PM-e1543344388142-300x120.png)
Designed to minimize the risks of Mars missions, the Mars Swing is just one of the concepts VAB analyzed to support future space exploration.