Single stage rocket technology
Abstract
The paper describes the second phase of a three-phase SDIO program (Phase II, Technology Demonstration) which was set up to design, develop, and demonstrate totally reusable single-stage rocket-powered systems capable of conducting routine, low-cost, and highly reliable transport to and from suborbital and orbital space. Based on evaluation studies conducted during Phase I, SDIO selected a vertical take-off-vertical-landing single-stage concept, called Delta Clipper (DC-3), which is designed to be maintained, loaded, flown, and turned around for a next flight like an aircraft. It is powered by eight rocket engines giving it a capability to safely return to its launch site in the event of entire failure any time during its flight. The goal of the Technology Demonstration phase is to validate the availability of the technology necessary for a successful Phase III prototype development and flight program by performing repeated flights of DC-3 in an aircraftlike maintenance environment.
- Publication:
-
Washington, DC International Astronautical Federation Congress
- Pub Date:
- August 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992wadc.iafcRQ...G
- Keywords:
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- Prototypes;
- Reusable Spacecraft;
- Single Stage Rocket Vehicles;
- Spacecraft Design;
- Transfer Orbits;
- Flight Tests;
- Low Cost;
- Navigation Aids;
- Single Stage To Orbit Vehicles;
- Technology Utilization;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles