Performance aerodynamics of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehiclesA method for predicting the performance aerodynamics of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles was developed based on techniques that were used in the aerodynamic databook of the Space Shuttle orbiter and theories from the Hypersonic Arbitrary Body Program. The method spans the entire flight profile of the aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles from the extreme high altitude non-continuum regime to the highly viscous continuum regime. Results from this method are compared with flight data from the Shuttle orbiter, Apollo Capsule, and the Viking Aeroshell. Finally, performance aerodynamics are estimated for three aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles that range from low to high lift-to-drag ratio configurations.
Document ID
19840035285
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wilhite, A. W. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Arrington, J. P. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Mccandless, R. S. (NASA Langley Research Center Space Systems Div., Hampton, VA, United States)