ESTIMATES OF MINIMUM ENERGY REQUIREMENTS FOR RANGE-CONTROLLED RETURN OF A NONLIFTING SATELLITE FROM A CIRCULAR ORBIT

Existing expressions are used to obtain the minimum propellant fraction required for return from a circular orbit as a function of vacuum trajectory range. Solutions for the parameters of the vacuum trajectory are matched to those of the atmospheric trajectory to obtain a complete return from orbit...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: JACKSON,CHARLIE M. JR.
Other Authors: NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON D C
Format: Text
Language:English
Published: 1961
Subjects:
*ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES
ATMOSPHERE ENTRY
DECELERATION
EQUATIONS
MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS
MATHEMATICAL PREDICTION
ORBITS
REENTRY VEHICLES
RETRO ROCKETS
ROCKET PROPELLANTS
ROCKET PROPULSION
North Pole
Online Access:http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0266700
http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0266700
Description
Summary:Existing expressions are used to obtain the minimum propellant fraction required for return from a circular orbit as a function of vacuum trajectory range. Solutions for the parameters of the vacuum trajectory are matched to those of the atmospheric trajectory to obtain a complete return from orbit to earth. Results are restricted by assumptions of (1) impulsive velocity change, (2) nearly circular transfer trajectory, (3) spherical earth, atmosphere, and gravitational field, (4) exponential atmospheric density variation with attitude, and (5) a nonrotating atmosphere. Calculations are made to determine the effects of longitudinal and lateral range on required propellant fraction and reentry loading for a nonrotating earth and for several orbital altitudes. A comparison of the single- and two-impulse method of return is made and results indicate a trade off between propellant fraction required and landing-position accuracy. An example of a return mission from a polar orbit is discussed where the initial deorbit point is the intersection of the North Pole horizon with the satellite orbit. (Author)

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