APPLICATION OF AERODYNAMIC LIFT IN ACCOMPLISHING ORBITAL PLANE CHANGE

Abstract

This study considers the concept of a hypersonic glider-type spacecraft utilizing its aerodynamic maneuvering capability in performing orbital plane change. For lifting vehicles an optimization procedure is developed which defines the proper vehicle attitude, propulsion utilization and sequence of operations to produce the maximum plane change for a given fuel expenditure. The results obtained are compared with the fuel requirements for a pure propulsion (nonlifting) plane change while remaining in orbit. Specifically, the optimum bank angle, angle of attack, entry angle, thrust alignment and thrusting procedures are defined. In addition, the advantages of high L/D vehicles are graphically illustrated. The method is seen to be more efficient than the pure propulsion method, but is found to be far more complex and requires longer times to execute.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1963
Accession Number
AD0427130

Entities

People

  • Roland N. Bell
  • Wilbur L. Hankey Jr.

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Aerodynamic Lift
  • Aerodynamics
  • Altitude
  • Apogees
  • Celestial Mechanics
  • Circular Orbits
  • Coefficients
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Engineering
  • Equations
  • Flight
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Propellants
  • Rocket Engines

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Hypersonics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers