Effects of Thrust Vector Control on the Performance of the Aerobang Orbital Plane Change Maneuver

Abstract

The aerobang maneuver, one of three types of aero-assisted orbital change methods, holds the possibility of reducing fuel consumption for orbital craft capable of atmospheric entry. It has been previously shown that different types of vehicles provide varying results over a constant heating rate trajectory. Further investigation into the optimization of the aerobang maneuver in this thesis includes the effects of using thrust vector control, the examination of the effects of increasing fuel mass fraction to increase orbital inclination changes, and the effects of that increase on both angle of attack and heating rate. The aerobang maneuver is shown to be capable of significant changes in orbital inclination in either a fixed heating rate or a fixed angle of attack mode for the Maneuverable Reentry Research Vehicle. Aerobang, Synergetic, Aero-assist, MRRV

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA272532

Entities

People

  • Richard E. Johnson

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Forces
  • Altitude
  • Angular Momentum
  • Attitude Control Systems
  • Computer Programs
  • Control Systems
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Flight
  • Flight Control Systems
  • Flight Paths
  • Orbital Inclination
  • Payload
  • Simulations
  • Spacecraft
  • United States Naval Academy

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

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