The aerocapture vehicle mission design conceptAerocapture is a mission design concept which uses an aerodynamically controlled atmospheric entry to capture payloads into orbit as opposed to a completely propulsive orbit insertion. Results are presented which demonstrate great performance gains and good accuracy using aerocapture. These results deal only with projected Mars missions; therefore, the aerocapture vehicle system design requirements deal only with Mars. It will be evident, however, that this concept can be readily applied to other atmosphere-bearing celestial bodies.
Document ID
19790050712
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Cruz, M. I. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Systems Div., Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1979
Subject Category
Launch Vehicles And Space Vehicles
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 79-0893
Meeting Information
Meeting: Conference on Advanced Technology for Future Space Systems