Date of Award

3-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Miltion E. Franke, PhD

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of staging variables on Two-Stage-To-Orbit reusable launch vehicles, specifically, the question of what measurable factors play important roles in staging performance. Three different configurations (Rocket-Rocket, Turbojet-Rocket and Turbine Based Combined Cycle-Rocket) were considered. The software, Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (POST), was used to analyze these configurations. Vehicle coasting time, staging dynamic pressure and staging Mach number were all varied to determine their influence on the final payload.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GA-ENY-05-M08

DTIC Accession Number

ADA434320

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