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Ram accelerator direct space launch system - New conceptsThe ram accelerator, a chemically driven ramjet-in-tube device is a new option for direct launch of acceleration-insensitive payloads into earth orbit. The projectile is the centerbody of a ramjet and travels through a tube filled with a premixed fuel-oxidizer mixture. The tube acts as the cowl of the ramjet. A number of new concepts for a ram accelerator space launch system are presented. The velocity and acceleration capabilities of a number of ram accelerator drive modes, including several new modes, are given. Passive (fin) stabilization during atmospheric transit is investigated and found to be promising. Gasdynamic heating in-tube and during atmospheric transit is studied; the former is found to be severe, but may be alleviated by the selection of the most suitable drive modes, transpiration cooling, or a hydrogen gas core in the launch tube. To place the payload in earth orbit, scenarios using one impulse and three impulses (with an aeropass) and a new scenario involving an auxiliary vehicle are studied. The auxiliary vehicle scenario is found to be competitive regarding payload, and requires a much simpler projectile, but has the disadvantage of requiring the auxiliary vehicle.
Document ID
19920045908
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Bogdanoff, David W.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field; Eloret Institute, Palo Alto, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Propulsion and Power
Volume: 8
ISSN: 0748-4658
Subject Category
Ground Support Systems And Facilities (Space)
Accession Number
92A28532
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC2-487
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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