A Space & astronomy forum. SpaceBanter.com

Go Back   Home » SpaceBanter.com forum » Space Science » Technology
Site Map Home Authors List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read Web Partners

Small, cheap, reusable rocket launcher



 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #21  
Old September 3rd 06, 12:29 PM posted to sci.space.tech
Allen W. McDonnell
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 6
Default Small, cheap, reusable rocket launcher



On the other hand, a fixed-wing aircraft.i.e. the B-70, can indeed be
designed to carry a large payload at high altitude. While a large blunt
cone would have to much drag for external carriage on an aircraft, a
saucer-shaped vehicle could be carried and launched edge first and
re-enter flat side first; this is pretty much what Rutan's SpaceShip
One does with its pivoting tail. This can spread the heating over a
large area as with the Apollo Capsule, reducing thermal loads.


The airplane is superior to rocket as a means of transportation
through the troposphere because it is slower and much more
reusable. It is however not as slow as the helicopter, and
the separation of the rocket launcher and its cargo from the
airplane is tricky due to the aerodynamic drag.


However, so long as the aircraft is designed with a thrust to weigth ratio
greater than 1:1 when loaded with the payload at altitude it can hover
vertically on its tail during the seperation manuver. The aircraft flies up
to launch altitude, goes vertical, releases the payload while hovering. The
payload ignites its next stage, the aircraft reduces throttle allowing
itself to tip over and power glide most of the way back to the launch site
with the engines at idle.


 




Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ballistic Theory, Progress report...Suitable for 5yo Kids Henri Wilson Astronomy Misc 2901 May 25th 06 12:26 AM
MICROSATELLITES; how small? How cheap? Bill Higgins Policy 0 November 30th 05 08:33 PM
Private Rocket SpaceShipOne Makes Third Rocket-Powered Flight Rusty B Policy 10 May 16th 04 02:39 AM
Launching a small model rocket Niko Holm Space Shuttle 10 January 9th 04 12:48 AM
News - Rutan Rocket Engine Engineer Killed in Small Plane Crash Rusty Barton Policy 1 July 23rd 03 05:10 AM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:43 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2024 SpaceBanter.com.
The comments are property of their posters.