dc.contributor.author |
Ustinov, Eugene A. |
|
dc.date.accessioned |
2013-07-08T15:33:40Z |
|
dc.date.available |
2013-07-08T15:33:40Z |
|
dc.date.issued |
2012-09-11 |
|
dc.identifier.citation |
AIAA Space 2012 Conference, Pasadena, California, September 11-13, 2012. |
en_US |
dc.identifier.clearanceno |
12-4057 |
|
dc.identifier.uri |
http://hdl.handle.net/2014/43329 |
|
dc.description.abstract |
A concept of an aero-assisted pre-stage is proposed, which enables launch of both ballistic and aero-assisted launch vehicles from conventional runways. The pre-stage can be implemented as a delta-wing with a suitable undercarriage, which is mated with the launch vehicle, so that their flight directions are coaligned. The ample wing area of the pre-stage combined with the thrust of the launch vehicle ensure prompt roll-out and take-off of the stack at airspeeds typical for a conventional jet airliner. The launch vehicle is separated from the pre-stage as soon as safe altitude is achieved, and the desired ascent trajectory is reached. Nominally, the pre-stage is non-powered. As an option, to save the propellant of the launch vehicle, the pre-stage may have its own short-burn propulsion system, whereas the propulsion system of the launch vehicle is activated at the separation point. A general non-dimensional analysis of performance of the pre-stage from roll-out to separation is carried out and applications to existing ballistic launch vehicle and hypothetical aero-assisted vehicles (spaceplanes) are considered. |
en_US |
dc.description.sponsorship |
NASA/JPL |
en_US |
dc.language.iso |
en_US |
en_US |
dc.publisher |
Pasadena, CA : Jet Propulsion Laboratory, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2012. |
en_US |
dc.subject |
launch vehicles |
en_US |
dc.subject |
access to space |
en_US |
dc.title |
Aero-assisted pre-stage for ballistic and aero-assisted launch vehicles |
en_US |
dc.type |
Preprint |
en_US |