Reentry Breakup and Survivability Characteristics of the Vehicle Atmospheric Survivability Project (VASP) Vehicles

Abstract

The breakup of two satellites (Vehicle Atmospheric Survivability Project) during atmospheric reentry is documented. The satellites were deboosted from orbit, and their subsequent reentries were observed by surface-based radars and optics as well as airborne optics. Numerous pieces of satellite debris were tracked, and, in some cases, their heritage identified. The breakup process substantiated the heating relationships derived from the VAST test, which is an order of magnitude less than traditional heating relationships above an altitude of 30 nmi.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 05, 2008
Accession Number
ADA491628

Entities

People

  • Richard G. Stern

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Aerodynamic Heating
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Alaska
  • Altitude
  • Anti-Ballistic Missiles
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmosphere Entry
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Materials
  • Orbits
  • Solar Panels
  • Survivability
  • Trajectories
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris