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Lifting Center-Body Land Recoverable Booster Concept
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Event:
Space Technology Conference
Language:
English
Abstract
A new concept for land recovery of launch vehicle stages is described. After burn out and separation of a conventional cylindrical booster configuration, the outer tank portions are discarded, leaving a lifting shaped center-body capable of re-entry, pull out, flyback and landing. The essential features are the application of intersecting pressure vessel theory for shaping the tanks and the simple arrangement of hinged tail panels (dive brakes). The panels are used for stabilization and deceleration during the re-entry phase and fold back in sequence during the pull out maneuver and transition into an aerodynamic lifting body configuration of low wing loading. In conclusion, the concept promises the following advantages:
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1.
No essential weight increase versus expendable stages.
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2.
Maximum use of existing and proven stage hardware and launch facilities.
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3.
Conversion of rocket stage into a well-defined controllable aircraft for land recovery, without deployment shock and residual disposal problem.
Authors
Topic
Citation
Wuenscher, H., "Lifting Center-Body Land Recoverable Booster Concept," SAE Technical Paper 670398, 1967, https://doi.org/10.4271/670398.Also In
References
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- “Assessment of Test Program Alternative-Large Ballistic Launch Vehicle Recovery and Reuse Study,” Technical Proposal D5-13278-R1, Boeing Company, Space Division
- “Study of a Paraglider Recovery System for the Saturn Booster,” Report No. 61B075 The Ryan Company August 15 1961
- “Reusable Orbital Transport, First Stage,” Final Summary Technical Report LR 18790, Contract NAS8-11319 Lockheed-California Company Burbank, California May 21 1965
- “Study of Incremental Systems Development Approaches and Applications,” Lockheed LR 20066, LAC 611510 II September 28 1966
- Wuenscher H. F. “Recoverable Rocket Vehicle,” Patent No. 3,202,381, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, Alabama August 24 1965
- Wuenscher H. F. Berge L. H. “Integrated Manufacturing Plan for 200-Inch Multicell Test Tank,” NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, Alabama December 1962
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- “NOVA Category B Vehicle Final Report, Contract NAS8-5136,” General Dynamics/Astronautics January 23 1963 “Comparison of a Multicell Versus Cylindrical Tank Configuration from the Manufacturing Point of View,” NOVA Memo 5174 General Dynamics/Astronautics
- “Proposal for a Recoverable Booster,” RAC 2619 Republic Aviation Corporation Sept. 30 1964
- “1966 NASA Authorization,” H.R. 3730 2 4 136 137
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