An overview of the space plane program planned by the NAL (National Aerospace Laboratory) is presented. The tentative base line mission requirements such as space transportation to and from LEO (Low Earth Orbit); short term experimental laboratory orbit for earth observation; microgravity; servicing to platforms, maintenance, and repair; space passenger tour through orbital and sub-orbital flight; etc. are outlined. The characteristics of the SSTO (Single Stage to Orbit) vehicle concept are summarized as follows: (1) integration of SCRAMJET (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) engine and LACE (Liquid Air Cycle Engine); (2) fueling with slush hydrogen with fuel weight fraction of less than 70 percent; and (3) total gross weight of 350 tons with the structural weight reduction by 20 percent of the current technological potential.


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    Title :

    Spaceplane Program at NAL: System Concept and Related Technology Issues


    Contributors:
    M. Maita (author)

    Publication date :

    1993


    Size :

    4 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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