VELOCITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ABORT FROM THE BOOST TRAJECTORY OF A MANNED LUNAR MISSION

Abstract

An investigation is made of the abort velocity requirements associated with failure of a propulsion system for a manned lunar mission. Two cases are considered: abort at less than satellite speed, which results in maximum decelerations in the following entry, and abort at greater than satellite speed with immediate return to earth. The velocity requirements associated with the latter problem are found to be substantial (several thousand feet per second) and are found to be even more severe if boost trajectorie which lead to burnout at high altitudes or large flight-path angles are used. The velocity requirements associated with abort at less than satellite speed are found to be less severe than those for abort at greater than satellite speed except or nonlifting vehicles. It is found that abort rockets sufficient for abort at greater than satellite speed can be used to reduce maximum decelerations in entries following an abort at lower speeds. This reduction is accomplished by use of the abort rockets to decrease entry angle immediately prior to entry into the atmosphere. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0260178

Entities

People

  • Robert E. Slye

Organizations

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheres
  • Deceleration
  • Flight
  • Flight Paths
  • High Altitude
  • Orbits
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Trajectories
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Software Engineering
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris