Aeroassisted orbital transfer mission evaluation

A general analysis of an aeroassisted orbital transfer mission from geosynchronous (GEO) to low earth orbit (LEO) is evaluated. Various phases including transfer from GEO, atmospheric flight from entry to exit, and LEO circularization are investigated. Two classes of aeroassisted vehicles are considered, aerobrake and aeromaneuver. Atmospheric flight is controlled through drag and/or lift modulation with performance uncertainties such as atmospheric density, vehicle drag, and entry path angle included. An assessment of the vehicle thermal environment is provided along with a comparison of the system weight improvements above a pure chemical retro mission provided through the application of aeroassist.