Gemini Agena 6 target vehicle failed to achieve orbit due to hard start of its bipropellant [inhibited red fuming nitric acid-unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (IRFNA-UDMH)] rocket; problem had gone undetected, because ground testing had not included sufficiently high simulated altitudes; lack of sufficient oxidizer during ignition delay period probably was primary factor; Project Sure Fire was established to manage corrective program; problems encountered in and data obtained from development and testing of modified (oxidizer-lead) Bell model 8247 engine; program provided better understanding of vacuum testing requirements.


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    Title :

    Solution of high-vacuum hard-start problem of IRFNA-UDMH rocket for Gemini Agena


    Additional title:

    J Spacecraft Rockets


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1968


    Size :

    9 pages


    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :