This paper studies the feasibility of the use of an atmospheric rendezvous concept to increase the efficiency and flexibility of space transportation systems. In this concept the second stage of a recoverable orbital launch vehicle or hypersonic transport would be built without wings, landing gear, or subsonic flight propulsion, and would be received in an atmospheric rendezvous by a carrier vehicle at the terminal point of flight for subsequent ferry to a landing site. Significant possibilities for weight improvement are shown and the attractiveness of a subsonic form of atmospheric rendezvous in either a towing or docking mode is illustrated.


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    Title :

    Aerospace applications of atmospheric rendezvous.


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aerospace Sciences Meeting ; 1972 ; San Diego, CA


    Publication date :

    1972-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :


    Aerospace applications of atmospheric rendezvous

    BIRD, J. / SCHAEZLER, A. | AIAA | 1972


    Aerospace Application of Atmospheric Rendezvous

    JOHN D. BIRD AND A. DUANE SCHAEZLER | AIAA | 1972


    Rendezvous guidance of lifting aerospace vehicles

    KIRBY, M. J. / VACCARO, R. J. | AIAA | 1965



    Rendezvous guidance of lifting aerospace vehicles

    Vaccaro, R.J. / Kirby, M.J. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1965