Aerodynamic analysis of Pegasus - Computations vs realityPegasus, a three-stage, air-launched, winged space booster was developed to provide fast and efficient commercial launch services for small satellites. The aerodynamic design and analysis of Pegasus was conducted without benefit of wind tunnel tests using only computational aerodynamic and fluid dynamic methods. Flight test data from the first two operational flights of Pegasus are now available, and they provide an opportunity to validate the accuracy of the predicted pre-flight aerodynamic characteristics. Comparisons of measured and predicted flight characteristics are presented and discussed. Results show that the computational methods provide reasonable aerodynamic design information with acceptable margins. Post-flight analyses illustrate certain areas in which improvements are desired.
Document ID
19930039265
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mendenhall, Michael R. (NASA Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Facility Edwards, CA, United States)
Lesieutre, Daniel J. (NASA Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Facility Edwards, CA, United States)
Whittaker, C. H. (Nielsen Engineering and Research, Inc. Mountain View, CA, United States)
Curry, Robert E. (NASA Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Moulton, Bryan (PRC, Inc. Edwards, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1993
Subject Category
Aerodynamics
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 93-0520
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA, Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit