Use of orbit-to-orbit shuttles for hyperbolic rendezvous with returning planetary spacecraft /
David R. Brooks and Edwin F. Harrison.

Description

Main Author

Brooks, David R.

Language(s)

English

Published

Washington, D.C. : National Aeronautics and Space Administration : 1971.

Subjects

Trajectories.
Orbits.
Nuclear propulsion.
Space shuttles.
Space vehicles.

Summary

An Earth-return mode for interplanetary spacecraft via hyperbolic rendezvous is described. In this mode an orbit-to-orbit shuttle leaves a circular Earth orbit, performs a rendezvous with a returning interplanetary spacecraft as it approaches Earth on a hyperbolic trajectory, docks and performs desired transfers, and deboosts back into a circular Earth orbit while the spacecraft continues on its hyperbolic path. Two basic flight modes are proposed, and the equations for analyzing the maneuvers are derived. The initial mass in Earth orbit required fora rendezvous system utilizing chemical or nuclear propulsion compares favorably with the initial masses in Earth orbit chargeable to transport of some conventional Earth-return systems to a target planet and back. In addition, the maneuver has considerable merit as a backup and rescue system. For typical missions, orbit-to-orbit shuttles having initial masses in Earth orbit of up to 500 000 kg are required.

Physical Description

32 p. : ill. ; 27 cm.

Locate a Print Version

Find in a library

Viewability