Propulsion evaluation for orbit-on-demand vehiclesFuture earth-to-orbit vehicles may be required to reach orbit within hours or even minutes of a decision. A study has been conducted to consider vehicles with such a capability. In Phase I of the study, 11 vehicles were designed to deploy 5000 lb to a polar orbit. Changes in the designs were examined parametrically for increased on-orbit maneuvers, increased payload, and other mission variations. Based on the results, two concepts were selected for Phase II design work: a vertical-takeoff, two-stage system and a horizontal-takeoff, two-stage system with an airbreathing subsonic first stage. The results of several propulsion evaluations are presented, including liftoff thrust-to-weight effects, dual-fuel propulsion for a horizontal-takeoff concept, and the effect of using fluorine.
Document ID
19850057479
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Martin, J. A. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Naftel, J. C. (NASA Langley Research Center Space Systems Div., Hampton, VA, United States)
Turriziani, R. V. (Kentron International Hampton, VA, United States)