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Ram accelerator direct launch system for space cargoThe ram accelerator, a chemically-propelled mass driver, is presented as a new approach for directly launching acceleration-insensitive pay-loads into LEO. The cargo vehicle resembles the centerbody of a conventional ramjet and travels through a launch tube filled with a premixed gaseous fuel and oxidizer mixture. The tube acts as the outer cowling of the ramjet and the combustion process travels with the vehicle. Two modes of ram accelerator drive are described, which when used in sequence, are capable of accelerating the cargo vehicle to 10 km/sec. The requirements for placing a 2000 kg vehicle with 50 percent payload fraction into a 400 km orbit, with a minimum of on-board rocket propellant for circularization maneuvers, are examined. It is shown that aerodynamic heating during atmospheric transit results in very little ablation of the nose. Both direct and indirect orbital insertion scenarios are investigated, and a three-step maneuver consisting of two burns and aerobraking is found to minimize the on-board propellant mass. A scenario involving a parking orbit below the desired final orbit is suggested as a means to increase the flexibility of the mass launch concept.
Document ID
19880028717
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bruckner, A. P.
(Washington Univ. Seattle, WA, United States)
Hertzberg, A.
(Washington, University Seattle, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1987
Subject Category
Ground Support Systems And Facilities (Space)
Report/Patent Number
IAF PAPER 87-211
Accession Number
88A15944
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG1-746
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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