Review of the results of a Mars surface-to-orbit launch vehicle study using an upgraded atmospheric density profile and an ascent trajectory optimization program. Orbit insertion was achieved with velocity losses less than those found in an earlier study. Values of thrust-to-mass ratio which minimize velocity losses for dual-burn vehicles were found to be significantly greater than the values of thrust-to-launch-mass ratio for the minimum-velocity-loss continuous-burn vehicle. The use of a two-stage solid-propellant vehicle employing a spin-stabilized second stage offers an attractive design option for a Mars surface-to-orbit launch vehicle.


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    Title :

    Mars surface-to-orbit vehicles for sample return missions


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1974-06-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :



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