Feasibility study using large ribbon parachutes, retrorockets, and hydrodynamic attenuation to recover liquid rocket boosters for the Space ShuttleA new three-phase approach to recovery of the large liquid rocket boosters being studied for the Space Shuttle is proposed. The concept consists of a cluster of larger ribbon parachutes, retrorockets, and spar mode flotation. The two inert liquid rocket boosters weighing 115,000 lb to 183,000 lb descend from high altitude in a side-on coning attitude to 16,000 ft altitude where a cluster of large ribbon parachutes are deployed. The terminal velocity near water landing is 80 ft/sec. Retrorockets are used to decrease the velocity to about 40 ft/sec. The third phase is opening of the front end of the cylindrical rocket case to allow flooding to cushion impact and allow vertical flotation in the spar mode keeping the four expensive liquid rocket engines dry.
Document ID
19890047833
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Pepper, William B. (Pioneer Aerospace Corp. Melbourne, FL, United States)
Wailes, William K. (Pioneer Aerospace Corp. Melbourne, FL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Subject Category
Space Transportation
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 89-0883
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technology Conference