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.
Aerospace applications of atmospheric rendezvous.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aerospace Sciences Meeting ; 1972 ; San Diego, CA
1972-01-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
Aerospace applications of atmospheric rendezvous
AIAA | 1972
|Aerospace Application of Atmospheric Rendezvous
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