FLIGHT TEST CRITERIA FOR RE-ENTERING NAP SYSTEM.
Abstract
A study has been made of nuclear auxiliary power (NAP) systems reentering the earth's atmosphere at the conclusion of a space mission. The purpose was to determine the parameters of significance for flight test criteria that affect programs intended to evaluate or demonstrate sequences or results of re-entering NAP systems. As an example for discussion, a representative NAP system was used which included the SNAP 10A unit attached to an Agena B space vehicle. It was concluded that the total integrated heat in put during a flight test must be equal to the actual re-entry case. The test re-entry trajec tory must, therefore, include higher than orbital re-entry speeds for steeper re-entry angles to compensate for the shorter test re-enriods of heat input. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0410253