Date of Award

12-1991

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

William C. Elrod, PhD

Abstract

A computer simulation program was used to analyse performance of suborbital launch trajectories using a hypersonic NASP derived vehicle for satellite deployment. The trajectory investigated for this project involved satellite deployment as suborbital speeds. To deploy a satellite in this manner, a booster motor is used to insert the payload into orbit while the launch vehicle reenters and returns to earth. A simplified energy analysis was also formulated and used to determine the sensitivity of suborbital trajectory performance to specific design parameters. Results show that suborbital launch trajectories can increase the useful payload to orbit capacity over an identical vehicle flying a 'typical' ascent where both the launch vehicle and payload are inserted into orbit. The amount of time available for payload deployment from a suborbital trajectory was also investigated with results showing that time periods on the order of ten minutes could be used for payload deployment.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GA-ENY-91D-8

DTIC Accession Number

ADA244048

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

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