A VARIABLE-LIFT PROGRAM FOR SATELLITE RE-ENTRY
Abstract
The trajectories of a lifting body entering the earth's atmosphere at circular satellite speed can be classified into two groups according to whether the trajectory exhibits oscillations or not. An approximate analytic solution is obtained for one type of nonoscillatory trajectory. This trajectory, if plotted on an altitude-velocity diagram, falls in the region bounded by a constant-altitude flight and a least deceleration flight. The analysis takes into account the coupling of CL and CD which are continuously varied according to a specific program. Such a program results in lower peak deceleration load as compared to the case of constant CL and CD flight, but suffers higher aerodynamic heating rate at the stagnation point. Consequently, the program provides a compromise between heating and loading. It is also pointed out that the present lift program can be generalized into one which gives various degrees of compromise between heating and loading by varying one or more parameters. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0263236
Entities
People
- He Wang
- S.t. Chu
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation