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SRM-Assisted Trajectory for the GTX Reference VehicleA goal of the GTX effort has been to demonstrate the feasibility of a single stage- to- orbit (SSTO) vehicle that delivers a small payload to low earth orbit. The small payload class was chosen in order to minimize the risk and cost of development of this revolutionary system. A preliminary design study by the GTX team has resulted in the current configuration that offers considerable promise for meeting the stated goal. The size and gross lift-off weight resulting from scaling the current design to closure however may be considered impractical for the small payload. In lieu of evolving the project's reference vehicle to a large-payload class, this paper offers the alternative of using solid-rocket motors in order to close the vehicle at a practical scale. This approach offers a near-term, quasi-reusable system that easily evolves to reusable SSTO following subsequent development and optimization. This paper presents an overview of the impact of the addition of SRM's to the GTX reference vehicle's performance and trajectory. The overall methods of vehicle modeling and trajectory optimization will also be presented. A key element in the trajectory optimization is the use of the program OTIS 3.10 that provides rapid convergence and a great deal of flexibility to the user. This paper will also present the methods used to implement GTX requirements into OTIS modeling.
Document ID
20020073118
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Riehl, John
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Trefny, Charles
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Kosareo, Daniel
(ZIN Technologies, Inc. United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: 26th JANNAF Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee Meeting
Volume: 1
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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