Advanced SCRAM-LACE system concept for single-stage-to-orbit space plane
Abstract
The paper describes a conceptual design of a propulsion system for a 350 MG spacecraft, which is considered a most promising propulsion system for realizing a lightweight reusable SSTO vehicle. The system consists of a scramjet engine with thermal energy recovery from the aerodynamically-heated vehicle and a tank-return cycle liquefied-air-cycle engine (LACE) with an air compressor. A schematic diagram illustrating SCRAM-LACE propulsion is included along with data illustrating the performance of LACE and scram propulsion cycles.
- Publication:
-
Montreal International Astronautical Federation Congress
- Pub Date:
- October 1991
- Bibcode:
- 1991mont.iafcT....M
- Keywords:
-
- Aerospace Planes;
- Liquid Air Cycle Engines;
- Propulsion System Configurations;
- Single Stage To Orbit Vehicles;
- Supersonic Combustion Ramjet Engines;
- Engine Design;
- Hypersonic Flight;
- Propulsion System Performance;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles