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Aerocapture and aeroassisted orbital transfer - A high performance leverage space technologySingle pass aerocapture and aeroassisted orbital transfer designs are discussed for modifying spacecraft orbits using planetary atmospheres. Aerodynamic drag can be used to shift a hyperbolic flyby trajectory to a planetary orbit by having the spacecraft altering its in-plane L/D ratio to maintain constant drag until the desired velocity is attained. The spacecraft would then move out of the atmosphere, sometimes with a small propulsive assist. Sample missions to Uranus, Jupiter, and Titan are mentioned, with mission scenarios commencing with a Shuttle launch. Biconic-shaped spacecraft are cited as having the best L/D for insertion accuracy, a low hypersonic ballistic coefficient, and volumeric efficiency. Aeroassisted orbital transfer involves atmospheric braking in order to shed velocity on a return trip from higher orbits. No decision has yet been made as to the spacecraft shape, but calculations indicate that aeroassist braking before return to LEO for rendezvous with the Shuttle has the potential for the lowest cost/mass to GEO of any delivery system currently under consideration.
Document ID
19830061609
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Cruz, M. I.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1983
Publication Information
Volume: 36
ISSN: 0007-084X
Subject Category
Astrodynamics
Accession Number
83A42827
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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