{ "item_title" : "Performance Study of Two-Stage-to-Orbit Reusable Launch Vehicle Propulsion Alternatives", "item_author" : [" Marc A. Brock "], "item_description" : "This study investigated the performance of five Two-Stage-To-Orbit reusable launch vehicles (RLV), with stages propelled by rocket engines, turbojet engines and Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) engines. Horizontal versus vertical takeoff launch and direct versus lifting ascent trajectories were also studied. A method was conceived using a 3 degree of freedom optimization program, stage inert mass fractions, and a fixed gross takeoff weight (GTOW) of 1,000,000 lbf to determine each RLVs performance based on payload weight delivered to orbit and total vehicle inert weight. RLV trajectory constraints, mass fractions, engine performance, and aerodynamics were assumed from literature of similar RLVs or data provided by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The method devised predicted performance for all RLVs studied, but was time intensive and intolerant of small trajectory modifications. A horizontal takeoff RLV with the 1st stage powered by turbojet engines and the nd stage propelled by a rocket engine, in a lifting ascent trajectory, provided 3 times the payload weight to orbit when compared to the same vehicle in a vertical takeoff mode. The RLV with both stages propelled by rocket engines lifted more payload weight into orbit with a lower inert weight than all other RLVs studied. RLVs propelled by RBCC engines, on a direct ascent trajectory, had insufficient fuel to reach orbit because of the high inert weight of the RBCC engines.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.", "item_img_path" : "https://covers4.booksamillion.com/covers/bam/1/24/960/137/1249601371_b.jpg", "price_data" : { "retail_price" : "17.95", "online_price" : "17.95", "our_price" : "17.95", "club_price" : "17.95", "savings_pct" : "0", "savings_amt" : "0.00", "club_savings_pct" : "0", "club_savings_amt" : "0.00", "discount_pct" : "10", "store_price" : "" } }

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