Single-stage-to-orbit performance enhancement from take-off thrust augmentation

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.52130· OSTI ID:627618

Galati, T; Elkins, T ^[1]

---

1. Phillips Laboratory, Propulsion Directorate Edwards AFB, California93524 (United States)

Thrust augmentation offers the Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO) space launch vehicle improved payload capability while reducing vehicle weight and cost. Optimization of vehicle configuration and flight profile are studied. Using a 612,000 kg Gross Lift Off Weight (GLOW) SSTO with three Castor{sup {reg_sign}} strap-on motors, payloads in excess of 18,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) are achievable. Emphasis is placed on finding vehicle optimums in the 9,000 kg payload range to capture over 80{percent} of commercial payloads. Strap-on boosters allow a small SSTO vehicle to fly with a mass fraction of only 0.88 and LOX/H{sub 2} engines operating at 445 sec vacuum specific impulse. Payload sensitivity due to variations of mass fraction, I{sub sp} and pitch rate are quantified. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 627618
• Report Number(s): CONF-970115-; ISSN 0094-243X; TRN: 9808M0034
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 387, Issue 1; Conference: Space technology and applications international forum (STAIF - 97), Albuquerque, NM (United States), 26-30 Jan 1997; Other Information: PBD: Jan 1997
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING NOT INCLUDED IN OTHER CATEGORIES
SPACE VEHICLES
DESIGN
CARGO
TRANSPORT
ROCKET ENGINES
COST
THRUSTERS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES