LAUNCH SITING CRITERIA FOR HIGH-THRUST VEHICLES
Abstract
A comprehensive technique for determining the magnitude of potential launch hazards is developed as an intermediate step in the process of selecting optimum launch sites for very high-thrust booster engines. Three characteristic launch site hazards are considered: acoustics, explosions, and toxicity. The siting criterial developed are generally applicable to most potential launch sites. In order to illustrate the site selection procedure a hypothetical three stage launch vehicle (9 million pounds thrust), and a prospective launch area with realistic environmental conditions are postulated. The resulting hazard estimates are employed to specify a particular launch complex location and configuration, and to establish launching constraints imposed by the assumed environment. Several field surveys are found necessary to provide critical data about potential launch sites for the assessment of hazards. Two of these, an acoustical measurement program and gas release tests, are described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0257643
Entities
People
- J. J. Oslake
- S. Dobrin