Aerospike Rockets for Increased Space Launch Capability

Authors

• Carl R. Hartsfield, Air Force Institute of TechnologyFollow
• Richard D. Branam, Air War College
• Joshua N. Hall, Air Force Institute of Technology
• Joseph R. Simmons III, Air Force Institute of Technology

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Summer 2011

Abstract

The US Department of Defense (DOD) increasingly depends on space assets for everyday operations. Precision navigation; communications; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites are highly leveraged space assets. The launch vehicles that place these satellites in orbit are a major limitation of current space systems. If higher-performing launch vehicles were available, many satellites could accommodate additional capabilities, whether in terms of more sensor channels, types of payloads, electrical power, or propellant for orbital maneuvering and station keeping.

Comments

Sourced from the DTIC Public version: https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a562366.pdf (DTIC accession # ADA562366)

The original version for this article at Air University: https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/ASPJ/Archived-Editions/

Co-author Joseph Simmons was enrolled in an AFIT PhD program at the time of this article's publication. (AFIT-ENY-DS-14-S-06, September 2014 graduation)

Source Publication

Air and Space Power Journal

Recommended Citation

Hartsfield, C. R., Branam, R. D., Hall, J., & Simmons, J. R. (2011). Aerospike Rockets for Increased Space Launch Capability. Air and Space Power Journal, 25(2), 65–73.